Those pining for the return of the popular local holiday tradition, Christmas in Muskoka, will be pleased with what they see at the Armory in Chatham this season.
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The Merry Magic Fundraising Event officially launched last week, with activities continuing this week until Saturday.
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Proceeds will support the Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent and Camp Vincent, to provide school lunches and send children to camp.
Last year, the Armory hosted an elaborate live Christmas show that was well received.
However, organizer Lisa Lester, owner of Four Diamond Events, said the goal was to make the price more accessible for families.
Admission is a $5 minimum donation at the door, with no charge for children ages two and under.
“We’re excited just to offer something to the community that brings that Christmas magic,” Lester said on Saturday.
“It really is a whole community coming together for this.”
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Similar to the previous Christmas in Muskoka event, decorated Christmas trees, donated by sponsors, are on display for the duration of the event. Attendees can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win their favorites.
The St. Clair Catholic District school board announced last year that both Christmas in Muskoka and the Grade 7 leadership camp at Muskoka Woods were being discontinued.
The last fundraiser for the Muskoka Woods camp was held in December 2019, with events canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Lester said the business community was happy to come on board to help resurrect the effort, noting it was something Chatham-Kent always looked forward to.
“We’ve had 25 businesses donate trees this year,” she said. “They are all incredible. . . . Some of them have so many prizes underneath.”
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She said some businesses simply provided bare trees, due to the time needed to decorate them, with Lester and her team getting creative with the theme and design.
As for the charitable causes, she said Camp Vincent has been trying to “get back on their feet” since the pandemic.
“Last year, they only had half the enlistment they needed,” she said. “This year, we’re hoping to get the other half going for them. So, we’re sending kids to camp, and we’re also feeding kids in schools.”
Tim Hortons and McDonald’s will be sponsoring treats on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9 pm
Lester added she’s also appreciative of the numerous volunteers, including high school students, for helping to make the event a reality.
The tree raffle winners will be announced Saturday, Dec. 9 after 8 pm
For more information, including a schedule of activities, visit www.merrymagicevent.com
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