The Downtown North Bay Christmas Walk was like a live version of the Hallmark movies that were taped there.
Up and down the street people stopped to shake hands and offer Christmas greetings to friends they may have last seen since the last walk.
Youngsters waved to classmates, on their way to take in some of the fun events like the North Bay Hydro bucket rides, horse drawn wagon rides and the rail jam competition.
They were also on the look out for Santa Claus to get their picture taken.
Most merchants were open during the walk, with local musicians and choirs providing entertainment, mostly Christmas tunes, both indoors and out.
Chair of the Downtown Improvement Area board of directors, Michelle Trudeau, said there was a lot of buzz about the planned fireworks display to wrap up the night.
“For our 30th anniversary, which was last year, we had fireworks. We decided to bring them back every year which is fantastic,” said Trudeau.
People gathered to roast marshmallows, while an outdoor movie presented by Hideaway Pictures played in the background.
“We asked them if they could help us show one of the Christmas films David Anselmo produced, so there is one playing at the side of the Guardian Drugs building,” said Trudeau.
“Angel Falls 2 was shot in part here in the Opera (Bakery Cafe) a couple of months ago.”
Trudeau was asked about her favourite part of the evening.
“This is going to sound corny, but I think my favourite day of the year is the Christmas Walk. We’ve been doing it for as long as we’ve been downtown, the 26 years the FrameMaker & Gallery has been down here, we’ve been part of the Christmas Walk. I think it brings a lot of hope. It is a free event on the street, with lots of carolers, lots of community chorus groups. CFB North Bay has helped us out this year with warming tents. That is new.”
One hiccup this year was the lack of snow leading up to the rail jam demonstration hosted by Cheapskates.
“The snow that we did have melted, so the city rallied and helped us bring snow in. Thank goodness we had that storm on Wednesday. So, we’ve been going around getting enough snow for his event.,” said Trudeau.
“And believe if or not scaffolding was a really big problem this year because there is so much building in town. Normally it is not a problem, but we really had to scrounge to get scaffolding as well. But it all worked out. We’ve been so lucky.”
Lisa Giandomenico and her daughter enjoyed the marshmallow roast.
She started bringing her children to the Christmas walk about seven years ago.
“It has been an annual event for us. I know my daughter likes to come for the marshmallows and hot chocolate and every year she tries something new. Last year it was the sleigh ride and this year she tried the hydro bucket,” grinned Giandomenico.
In addition to taking part in new events, her seven-year-old daughter Adora is definitely in it for the treats.
“I like the candy. And the marshmallows are tasty.”
Count on the family being back again next year.
“It is a big event for us every year. We look forward to it and count down the days,” said Giandomenico.