UNITY — Unity was full of merrymaking Dec. 3 as events were held in town; children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile and in the air there was a definite feeling of Christmas
The day kicked off with a Christmas trade show in the upper hall of the Community Centre featuring more than two dozen vendors There was also the “gift-a-tree” activity organized by realtor Kayla Meredith with volunteers decorating mini trees that would be delivered to seniors before Christmas. The event also included children’s activity and a visit from St. Nick himself who posed for pictures with the youngsters. There was a steady attendance throughout the day as people enjoyed the shopping opportunities presented, as well as enjoying lunch or coffee and treats from the food booth.
The annual Santa Day at Second Avenue Cinema was offered free to attendees thanks to community businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. Participants enjoyed a free movie, treat bags and even a visit from Santa. Unity's senior assisted living facility, Parkview Place, had residents get involved by assembling the treat bags that were distributed to children.
Red Apple hosted their “fill-the-sleigh-day” benefitting the Secret Santa program. Unity firefighters were in attendance volunteering their time to draw attention to the activity while the new Block Parent program held a bake sale in store. Volunteers from Bricin Financial were also in attendance as their last event before packages would be assembled and delivered to families.
The day finished off with a dance performance at UCHS gym featuring Flourish Studios. Owner Amy Briggs put together the event to benefit a number of community charities including Secret Santa and KidSport. There was also a mini photo booth courtesy of Erika Reimer. Set up in memory of Briggs' mom, Vicky Rissling, the intention was to flourish by helping make Christmas merry and bright for those in attendance as well as the beneficiaries of funds raised. Two hundred advance tickets had been sold prior to the evening's dance performances.
Restaurants and businesses were thankful for the day’s activity as it kept Unity busy throughout Dec.3 and, as with any activities and events held in the community, it benefits the town overall.
Residents say they enjoyed the festive fun and merriment all around town as a result of these Christmas-themed activities in the community.
