Christmas comes to Uxbridge

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Photo by John Cavers

Christmas came to Uxbridge with a bang on the weekend. Scores of shoppers crowded the downtown area on Friday and Saturday for the annual Holiday Trail event, the Optimists' Fantasy of Lights opened its year-end run and neighbourhoods took on a festive air.

Youngsters lined up for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at HB Architectural Design on Brock St., while others danced energetically in front of a window at Low's Furniture as Leah Daniels rocked out a number of Christmas songs. Other performers also played for the crowds: Erin Blackstock at Bounty from the Boonies, Jerry Leger and The Situation at the Second Wedge Brewing Co., followed by the USS Holiday Horns, and Melissa Payne at Wixan's Bridge.

Various stores offered free hot chocolate, popcorn and other treats, and the township set up a friendly warming fire in front of the old Circle K building. The Town Trolley, fully decked out in Christmas lights, ferried scores of shoppers around the town. During the Holiday Trail, 150 copies of Anne of Green Gables were handed out in exchange for a donation to the Loaves and Fishes food bank, courtesy of an arrangement between Blue Heron Books and the book’s publisher.

While the Holiday Trail was continuing Saturday night, the Fantasy of Light opened at Elgin Park and a steady stream of vehicles paraded through the park from the moment the gates opened. Unfortunately, the Fantasy was closed on Monday because of the freezing rain.

Over on Campbell Drive (south of the hospital), the neighbours have once again banded together to put their own stamp on Christmas. More than 60 giant inflatable Santas line the street and spill out onto Cemetery Road. On top of that, there are countless other inflatable decorations along the street, making it a must-see drive during the holidays.