There was a good crowd on hand to watch the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the corner of Albert and High Streets during Southampton’s Sparkles Night.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith solicited the help of two youngsters to help him light up the traditional Christmas Tree and the following the singing of Christmas songs, the season was underway.
Taking in the ceremony was 13 year old Thomas Forsyth of Southampton who reminded residents that people should focus on giving rather than getting.
Forsyth says he hopes people will think of the less fortunate this time of year and help out where they can.
Nevertheless, Forsyth has his eye on a Blackberry Playbook he hopes to get for Christmas.
He says it will help him with school particularly since he’s getting ready to head into high school.
Saugeen Shores Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau also hopes everyone will have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with family and friends but he too asks that we remember those that are less fortunate at this time of year and help local charities where we can.
Charbonneau’s Christmas wish list will take a while to see if it plays out.
He’s asking Santa for a warm, pleasant summer next year so it will be a successful season from a tourist point of view for Saugeen Shores.
Community Relations Coordinator for the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce Heather Lorenz says the Chamber is pleased to present Sparkles Night because it gives them the opportunity to remind shoppers that they should shop local as much as possible.
It’s also the start of the “Christmas Shop, Dine and Win Passport” promotion where shopping at participating merchants can earn you gift certificates and Chamber dollars.
During Sparkles Night, Southampton merchants remained opened for shopping until 10 PM.
John Divinski of 98 the Beach was master of ceremonies for Sparkles Night in Southampton on Thursday night.
