FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southern Georgian Bay………….. . The festive season kicks off this weekend along the shores of Southern Georgian Bay in the communities of Tay, Tiny Midland and Penetanguishene. One of the most significant and earliest historical re- creations in Canada is “First Light” at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. In addition there are shopping contests in Downtown Midland, Santa Claus parades, recreational packages and getaways and an array of lights in Penetanguishene throughout the month of December..
Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” http://www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca/public/, returns for its eighth year featuring a new Huron Carol Exhibit, Children’s Christmas crafts, a variety of musical performances, presentations reflecting Franco-Ontarian and First Nations cultures, and much more – all amidst the magical glow of over 2,000 candles. Getaway packages can be booked at the Best Western Highland Inn and Conference Centre from $92.00 per person per night. http://www.bestwesternmidland.com/. Additional accommodation can be found at the Comfort Inn in Midland with their special internet rate http://www.choicehotels.ca/hotels/hotel?hotel=CN279.
History of Huron Carol
The Huron Carol is believed to have been written by Father Jean de Brébeuf who lived at Sainte-Marie in 1643. A special exhibit in the Sainte-Marie museum will focus on Canada’s famous carol, and display reproductions of beautiful paintings by Frances Tyrrell, award-winning illustrator of the children’s book The Huron Carol. Frances will also be in the foyer autographing her book each night.
Children’s Activities
“First Light” always includes lots of fun features enjoyed by families. Children will love making their own Christmas cards with quill pens and decorating mini-wreaths. Local French group La Clé d’la Baie will have you create fleur de lis decorations, and The Métis Nation of Ontario will make festive stockings in the Sainte-Marie foyer. In the Sainte-Marie Cookhouse, area chef Jesse Ford will assemble an impressive display of Christmas baked goods, all based on traditional ingredients. The fascinating “Survival In The Bush” group returns with their historic encampment, and La Compagnie Franche de la Marine will be on-site displaying their colourful uniforms and thrilling crowds with historic musket drill.
A Celebration of Music
Wonderful community music continues to be a central feature of First Light. Popular French singers Joëlle Roy and Michel Payment will perform in the reconstructed Church and Chapel. This year Sainte-Marie’s theatre will be filled with area ensembles including the St. Theresa’s Stage Band and their Vocal Group, St. Margaret’s Choir and the St. Anne’s Folk Group on November 29th. The Children’s Community Choir, Vox Huronia and Chorale de La Clé d’la
Baie will present on November 30th, and the Huronia Harmonizers and St. Bernard’s School will appear on December 1st. Over all three evenings in Sainte-Marie’s historic longhouses, the lively and all-time visitor favourite Christian Island Native Drum Group will perform native drumming and songs, and the Jock family will present traditional native water drumming, singing and dancing.
French Style Cafe
After enjoying the historic site, visitors can warm up in Restaurant Sainte-Marie which will be transformed into a French-style Café, featuring home-made pea soup, tourtière, pâtisseries, and hot apple cider. Local artists La Famille Lefaive and Vince Therrien will provide toe-tapping musical entertainment in the Café. Christmas shoppers will be tempted by over a dozen exceptional artisans set up in the Sainte-Marie museum, with the Sainte-Marie gift shop also open over the three nights.
“First Light” will be presented at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons the evenings of November 29th, 30th, and December 1st, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is just $5.00 per person with a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Salvation Army’s food bank. Children ages 5 and under are free. For information call (705) 526-7838.
Special Notes:
Please be advised that with the exception of assist dogs, dogs are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
Overflow parking for this year’s event will be available at Doral Industries, 100 Wye Valley Road. Free shuttle buses will run to Sainte-Marie throughout each evening.
In celebration of “First Light” some merchants in Midland plan special store activities downtown during the event. Advanced tickets for “First Light” are available at the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce Office, 208 King St., Midland. Telephone (705) 526-7884. or visit http://www.southerngeorgianbay.on.ca/
See information on Downtown Midland http://www.downtownmidland.com/
For more area information on tourism events, activities and directions see the Georgian Bay Tourism website, http://www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca/public/
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Port Severn, Ontario…………..February 1, 2009. The historic Inn at Christie’s Mill has designated February as “Sweetheart Deal” month for couples looking to add a little extra spice to their relationship while enjoying dinner, accommodation, in-room champagne and chocolates, breakfast, and a $50 voucher to use at Avalon Spa. Packages Start at $225.00 per couple per night. (except Valentine’s Weekend). The outdoor recreation lovers can book Ski Packages starting at $209 per night per couple with two lift tickets at Mount St. Louis Ski Resort or two cross country ski passes at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Details are provided below. 
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