Christmas in Bayfield is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking 35 years of bringing families and visitors together for a weekend of holiday fun.
Terri Louch, chairperson of Christmas in Bayfield, says this year’s celebration will feature more activities than ever, with events running Friday through Sunday.
The weekend gets started Friday night.
Money raised through the barbecue will support technical education opportunities for students in the Perth County area.
Saturday is packed with activities, including the annual Santa Claus parade at 11 a.m.
She notes that the horse-drawn carriage rides are very popular and require people to sign up in person. Visitors should go to the sign-up booth near the carriage stop by 9 a.m. to put their names on the list. Each ride can take up to 12 people and runs every 15 to 20 minutes.
Visitors are asked to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for their scheduled time.
The parade begins at the north end of Main Street, just west of Highway 21. It travels along Main Street, around part of Clan Gregor Square and finishes at the community centre.
One of the biggest changes this year is an expanded Sunday Fun Day. The event was introduced last year and has grown for this year’s celebration. Families can enjoy outdoor games along the street, including a full-size outdoor hockey rink. Visitors are encouraged to bring their skates. Many of the activities available on Saturday will also continue on Sunday.
Louch says Christmas in Bayfield is celebrating a milestone year this year.
She says one of her favourite parts of the weekend is seeing families make memories and enjoying the excitement throughout the community.
Louch also encourages visitors to support the Christmas gift drive. A large sleigh outside the library is collecting gifts, toys and food. This year, organizers are also accepting pet food and pet toys.
Donations can also be dropped off at the Bayfield Tim Hortons. The drive is running until the week after Christmas in Bayfield.
The 35th anniversary celebration will also be part of a special year for the community, as Bayfield marks its 150th anniversary in 2026.