The sparkle of the season officially begins this weekend

The Christmas season officially begins in Prince Edward County this weekend with the launch of the Festival of Trees and the welcoming of Santa Claus in parades at Bloomfield and Picton.

The Festival of Trees, sponsored by the PECM Hospital Auxiliary in support of the County’s hospital, opens Friday, Nov. 28 at Isaiah Tubbs Resort and Conference Centre, 1642 County Rd 12 in West Lake. It is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year funds raised will contribute to the purchase of a new echocardiogram for the County’s hospital.

​The event features a silent auction of fully decorated trees, and other items, a bake sale (until sold out), live entertainment, a bucket draw raffle and, of course, visits with Santa Claus who will pose for photographs Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon in the Upper Mac Hall, in front of the fireplace.

Those looking for the popular preserves, are reminded that sale has also moved to a bigger location – and includes more treats than ever.

Beverley Thompson puts the finishing touches on holiday appetizers for Perfectly Preserved’s annual Christmas Bake Sale.

The Perfectly Preserved branch of the hospital auxiliary, will host its annual Christmas Bake Sale Saturday, Nov. 29.
from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rotary Hall in the, Picton arena in the fairgrounds, 375 Main St. Picton.

In addition to preserves, the group has an array of seasonal treats ranging from traditional mince pies to butter tarts made with local honey from Wellington Bay Honey. Shortbread fingers, Irish whisky fruitcake and a vast array of cookies will all be available.

Proceeds also support the purchase of the echocardiogram for the County’s hospital.

Entertainment in the main dining room includes many County favourites from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (see schedule below)

Entry and events are all free of charge.

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Meanwhile, the annual Christmas Boutique opens at The Second Time Around Shop, 121 Main St. Picton on Friday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The shop’s volunteers spend all year carefully saving special items for the Christmas boutique. As usual it will be full of Christmas decorations, gift items, linens, books, home decor, jewellery and more.

Bloomfield’s Stanley and Main streets close at 6 p.m. Friday to celebrate the arrival of Jolly Saint Nick. Before the parade begins at 6:30 p.m., many businesses are hosting special events and treats. There will be crafts and games at the Bloomfield Public Library and free of charge horse-draw wagon rides from 4:30 to 6 p.m. starting from the Bloomfield Town Hall.

Picton’s Santa Claus Parade is set for Sunday, Nov. 30 beginning at 1 p.m. from McFarland Drive, down Picton Main, to Talbot Street.

Consecon is hosting a parade Sunday, Dec. 7 starting at 1 p.m. and is hosting activities for children at the Masonic Hall. Wellington is hosting a tree-lighting ceremony Sunday, Dec. 7 at Wellington Park from 4:30 to 6 p.m.