It was a night of joy, magic and creating memories at the 34th annual Old Fashioned Christmas Walk in downtown North Bay Friday.
People packed the parkette listening to carolers as they waited for dignitaries to flip the giant switch for the official tree lighting ceremony, before sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa.
Downtown North Bay & Waterfront members hosted the Walk which offered Hydro bucket rides, live music, rides on a train, and Santa photos.
They in turn partnered with various community groups and musicians to provide what has become a signature winter event for the community.
Wide-eyed children enjoyed roasting marshmallows.
Hot chocolate, candy canes and other treats were also handed out along the route.
Main Street was closed to traffic, allowing families to walk freely, some pulling children in wagons.
Getting into the spirit of the holiday, Santa hats could be seen worn on the heads of children and adults alike.
Brightly flashing light bulb style necklaces grabbed the attention of passersby.
One of the youngest participants was four-month-old Raegan Dubreuil who attended with her parents.
“Because it is her first Christmas, I wanted to show her all the fun activities, the joy, and the lights. She’s enjoying it so far,” grinned mom Brooke Gagnon who reflected on the years she attended when she was just a young girl herself.
“I came every year. I remember all the fun and everyone being really happy. I remember the snowboarding that they used to have and the horse drawn sleigh rides.”
The one thing that can’t be controlled is the weather. This year the lack of snow meant having to cancel the rail jam.
Every year the Old Fashioned Christmas Walk attracts first- timers like Carley Pelland and her family.
“It is actually our first time here, we just wanted to come down and check it out, and they (kids) are old enough to understand what Christmas is now, so it is fun to get them in the spirit and get excited for Christmas,” shared Pelland whose children are one year and three years old.
“And this is the first time for me too. I think it’s good, it’s fun and there’s lots of people.”
A firmly-rooted tradition for over three decades, downtown merchants look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new people.
David Lyle, whose family run business The Abbey (cards and gifts) has been part of the tradition since the beginning, enjoys the interaction.
“Actually, I was on the DIA (Downtown Improvement Area) Board at that time, when we started it. It is great to have everybody get out and come downtown. It is just a fantastic event for the community.”
As one woman was overheard saying, it is a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts and get some gift giving ideas.
