Christmas briefs: Parades, parties and markets

WEST CARLETON – The Hallowe’en costumes are put away for the season, so let’s immediately start talking about Christmas. In briefs form.

We have dates for two West Carleton Santa Claus parades, Fitzroy Harbour’s Christmas part and two holiday markets. And we’re sure there will be more holiday season stories to come.

Carp Santa Claus Parade

CARP – The Huntley Community Association (HCA) will host the 16th Annual Santa Claus Parade Saturday, Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m.

“The HCA is thrilled to present the 16th Annual Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 13, supporting the West Carleton Food Access Centre (WCFAC),” the HCA board released in a statement Dec. 13.”

Affected roads will close at 5:55 p.m. This year’s parade starts at the Huntley Curling Club turning right on to Langstaff Drive, right on Donald B. Munro Drive through downtown and ending at the Carp Fairgrounds.

“Join us for a night of holiday cheer, community spirit, and twinkling lights, all in support of the WCFAC,” the HCA said.

For those who want to enter a float, staging begins at 5 p.m. at the Carp Fairgrounds parking lot (3790 Carp Rd.).

“The HCA looks forward to your participation and support in making this year’s parade another extremely successful event,” the board said. “In lieu of registration fee, the HCA is requesting a donation (non-perishables or cash) to the WCFAC.”

For more information or to register a float, please contact Annie Craig at 613-558-8286 or Sandra Wallace 613-297-9454 or via email at oldcarpvintagethread@gmail.com.

For details and documents for registering a float, visit Coun. Clarke Kelly’s page here.

Constance Bay keeps Santa busy at night

CONSTANCE BAY – The Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association (CBBCA) will keep its recent, but already beloved, tradition of nighttime Santa Claus Parades going for the third time in a row on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 13.

“I haven’t heard one negative comment,” CBBCA special events director Meghann Blyth told West Carleton Online the first year they made the change in 2023. “A nighttime parade is what Constance Bay wanted.”

This year the Constance Bay Santa Night Parade starts in a new location, at St. Gabriel’s Church (205 Bayview).

“You heard it hear first,” CBBCA President Heather Lucente released in a statement yesterday (Nov. 2). “Santa Parade is Dec. 13. More details to come.

Title sponsor Harlow Snow Removal is back and as usual, follow the parade to its final destination for more holiday fun.

“Join us at the community centre (262 Len Purcell Dr.) for pics with Santa, treats and fun,” Lucente said.

Fitzroy Harbour Christmas Party Dec. 6

FITZROY HARBOUR – Celebrate the holidays during the day too, as the Fitzroy Harbour Community Association (FHCA) will host its annual Children’s Christmas Party on Dec. 6.

Join the FHCA at the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre (100 Clifford Campbell St.) Saturday, Dec. 6 starting at 10 a.m.

“Santa will be arriving at noon,” the FHCA said.

Along with Santa, there will be Christmas crafts, snacks, lunch and a drink, Christmas music, face painting, Santa’s Workshop where kids can shop for their parents with gifts only $1.

If parents bring a gift worth no more than $20, Santa will call your child up and hand deliver the gift.

For more information, contact organizer Jenny Taylor at 613-433-2825.

Kinburn kicks off Christmas market season

KINBURN – The first West Carleton Christmas market is also the oldest as the 43rd annual Kinburn Craft and Gift Fair takes over the Kinburn Community Centre (3045 Kinburn Side Rd.) this Saturday (Nov. 8).

“Welcome to our vendors and general public,” organizer Jayne Coady released in a statement Oct. 27. “Lots of styles, lots of selection.”

The craft and gift fair runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is sponsored by the Kinburn Community Centre.

For more information email rentals@kinburn.ca. West Carleton Online was there last year, and you can read that story here.

Fitzroy Christmas market Nov. 29

FITZROY HARBOUR – The Fitzroy Harbour third annual Christmas Market takes over the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre (100 Clifford Campbell St.) Saturday, Nov. 29.

The popular event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Join us for a magical day of holiday shopping at the Fitzroy Harbour Christmas Craft Market,” Harbourite Dawn Evans, who organizes the market along with Deborah Lepine and Sara Rupert said. “Our community centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland, filled with local makers, bakers, and artisans offering unique gifts, delicious treats, and seasonal treasures. Come support local, find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and soak in the community spirit that makes Fitzroy Harbour so special.”

West Carleton Online was there last year, and you can read that story here.

Carp Farmers’ Market celebrates Christmas Nov. 28 weekend

CARP – It’s a two day affair for the annual Carp Farmers’ Market Christmas Market.

It’s everything you are used to during the summer run of the Carp Farmers’ Market, but with a Christmas theme. This year’s Christmas market is Friday, Nov. 28 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., both indoors and out at the Carp Fairgrounds (3790 Carp Rd.).

“Save the Date for the Carp Farmers’ Market Christmas Market,” organizers released in a statement. “Join our local vendors for two days of local holiday shopping in the charming Village of Carp.

Parking and admission are free. There will be live music both days as well as a visit from Santa. The 100 per cent producer-only market will also host a food drive for the WCFAC.

“This is your last chance to shop at the Carp Farmers’ Market until spring 2026,” market staff said. “Stay tuned for more details of what to expect but mark those calendars. We can’t wait for you to join us.”