in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
December 16, 2024
Karrie Dickert relaxes in between customers at the Flesherton and District Christmas Market. Photo: Bo Penny
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — With the official start of winter yet to arrive, recent weather has forced us to rethink the value of marking the December 21 solstice on our calendars. Grey County was placed under a blizzard warning late last week as lake effect snow squalls created conditions that made travelling “nearly impossible.” And the system came just a little more than a week after burying us all under the white stuff, causing the County and local municipalities to declare significant weather events which cancelled many school bus routes and postponed many events throughout the region.
And so, this past weekend, we all needed a break — a chance to catch our breath and an opportunity to escape our weather-inflicted house arrest. Luckily for us, several Christmassy events fit the bill.
On Saturday, the Flesherton and District Farmers' Market held its annual Christmas Market — an occasion whose original date was scuttled by the aforementioned snowstorms. Shoppers were eager to spend their money on locally-produced Christmas decor, gifts and holiday food offerings. The Hanley Institute served up homemade chili and a bun, hot dogs and free hot chocolate for patrons who shuffled in from the cold temperatures outside. As one shopper put it, "the mood seemed light, friendly and hopeful after days of unrelenting foul weather."
Many families, hungry players and spectators were known to wander across the parking lot from the busy arena next door to visit the free market, as hockey, hockey, and more hockey was on the schedule. Activities at the Flesherton Arena culminating in an exciting South Grey Minor Hockey League match between the Collingwood Junior Blues and South Grey Spartans.
In Holstein, the 30th iconic annual non-motorized Santa Parade was enjoyed by all. The unique Christmas experience put everyone in a traditional holiday spirit with snow-covered road sides under gorgeous sunny skies. The entire event was live-streamed on the Mount Forest What's Happening Facebook Group page.
Holstein General Store owners Lori and Wayne Billings rode their horses Thunder and Spartan. Photo: Holstein General Store
Later that same day, music provided by Brown's Time Machine (Heather and Doug Brown) brought festive merriment to the Flesherton/Markdale Legion for their Holiday Dinner and Christmas Show. Photo: Heather Brown
The South Grey Chamber of Commerce Deck the Highlands Decor Contest was in full swing. The break in the weather provided the perfect opportunity to walk or drive around and admire the creative talents of local businesses and homeowners too! Contest winners will be chosen December 19.
Weather may continue to plague local events but as we stumble into winter solstice this Saturday, one thing is for sure — we get knocked down but we get back up again.
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