The magic of the holiday season can be felt throughout the Valley, as Christmas activities and events keep Santa Claus busy, his elves working overtime, and the Grinch extra grinchy. Visitors were drawn to the Ormstown fairgrounds by the twinkling lights and festive glow of the Livestock Breeders Association’s Christmas Village, while others took in Ormstown’s Enchanted Yuletide street festival. Area organizations reminded everyone that the holidays can be stress free, while offering a free meal and treats for the kids during the December CommuniT Night. The spirit of giving was on full display as the Huntingdon and Saint-Anicet Optimist Clubs called in a favour or two with the jolly old elf, who helped give early Christmas presents to area children who had been especially good this year. Over 200 presents were distributed in Huntingdon, while 113 children in Saint-Anicet received gifts. To cap off a busy few days, families lined the streets in Howick for the 16th edition of the highly anticipated Santa Claus parade and food drive. (SR)
