The Municipality of Port Hope announces a festive season full of modified events and activities designed for safety and compliance with mandated COVID-19 restrictions.
Though the Candlelight Walk and the public lighting of Memorial Park had to be cancelled,, the 2020 version of the Candlelight Festival starts Friday, inviting members of the public to explore the seasonal transformation of the downtown through virtual and self-guided activities.
Enhanced holiday decor in the downtown core
The Heritage Business Improvement Area have installed beautiful holiday lighting in Lent Lane and hand-painted ornaments (the work of Trinity College School students) on parking meters. Wreaths are up on light standards, shop windows are getting festive and the Port Hope Garden Club has once again installed decorated planters throughout the downtown to bring local greenery to our heritage streets.
Art installation in Lent Lane
Critical Mass Art has designed a Lent Lane art installation they hope will inspire you to try your hand at colouring your own version of free postcards (created by Critical Mass) to send to a friend or loved one. Critical Mass will display copies of your coloured postcards in a digital gallery and at the Little Station in Lent Lane. Residents and visitors will also be invited to pose in front of the Colour Me, Port Hope illustrated selfie panels on display. Visit www.criticalmassart.com/project/colour-mefor more details.
Carriage rides
Horse-drawn carriage rides will circulate throughout the downtown, provided by Top Notch Carriage Service, on four dates – Friday, Nov. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first three Saturdays in December. The pick-up spot is Rotary Park on Queen Street (across the street from Memorial Park). Certain COVID protocols apply – no more than four riders at a time (all from the same family or social bubble) and masks or face coverings are encouraged. One member of each group must sign in before boarding, and hand sanitizer will be available. Remember to dress warmly, and please practice patience while waiting for your ride.
Memorial Park annual light display
Look for the usual holiday lights in the trees and bandshell. Though the official lighting ceremony will not take place, everyone is encouraged to visit for a close-up look between Nov 27 and Jan. 2.
Reverse Santa Claus Parade Nov. 28, noon to 2 p.m.
A new reversed format has been set up for the annual Santa Claus Parade, in which spectators will be able to drive past a stationary display of festive floats, sights, and merriment. Allowing spectators to stay safely in their own cars aligns with the government's physical-distancing mandate. The parade will be set up on the Access Road just off Baulch Road, and spectators can get their look driving past the display along the Access Road and then exiting at its conclusion on to Toronto Road. Drivers are asked to line up their cars facing north on Baulch Road (which can be accessed off Lakeshore Road). Cars can also line up on Marsh Road (facing east towards Baulch Road) to approach the main spectator line-up – Marsh Road can be accessed via Dickinson Road. Please keep in the right-hand lane and avoid blocking driveways, and remember that there will be a limit to the number of vehicles that can travel the reverse-parade route so your patience is appreciated. For more details, visit www.porthopesantaclausparade.ca. A further note – dog-park users should expect traffic delays along Baulch Road between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so please plan accordingly.
Letters to Santa and donations on parade route This annual tradition will remain, with letters to Santa collected by Canada Post employees along the reverse-parade route. As well, new unwrapped toys for will be collected by Port Hope's firefighters, with food donations collected by representatives of the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank. Each collection spot will conform to the guidelines outlined by the Provincial government, and has been approved as part of the reverse parade event plan.
Free ROLLS Transit throughout December
The Rotary Club of Port Hope has generously covered the cost of our ROLLS transit service for the month of December. Residents who are already enrolled as ROLLS members can enjoy the service without fees Dec. 1 through 31. The usual ROLLS Transit standards apply, and COVID measures are in effect, including mandatory face-coverings while on the bus. For more information, contact the Transit Co-ordinator at 905-885-9891.
Holiday Activities with Parks, Recreation, and Culture
Parks, Recreation, and Culture staff are drumming up some holiday spirit with COVID-Friendly activities for all to enjoy, with a fun and festive list of activities designed for individuals and families to do on their own schedule both at-home and around town (see www.porthope.ca/candlelight-festival for details). They are also selling 100 Holiday Kits (at $5 each) for children aged 12 and under that include a craft themed for Candlelight Festival, activities, games and treats. You can purchase these between Nov 30 and Dec. 11, with pick-up available on Dec. 18 and 19. For more fun and festive activities prepared by our Parks, Recreation and Culture staff. The suggestions are for individuals and families to do on their own schedule both at-home and around town. Visit www.porthope.ca/calendar.
