Christmas light tour Monday in Stirling

Keeping a 14-year-old tradition alive isn’t hard when most people in the village find new and exciting ways to decorate their houses each year for fellow residents to enjoy.

Since the early years the Stirling Historical Society Tour of the Christmas Lights has been about bringing families together to enjoy an evening together.

This year the event will be Monday, Dec. 9 and will start at the Christmas Mansion at 6:30 p.m.

“The first years we were just going around in cars. We would load up the cars and drive around and we are still encouraging people to do that,” said Stirling Historical Society President Tom Memmott.

“For the last two years we have brought in wagons and horses and this year we have got Larry and Katherine Canfield and Phil and Marilyn Stihl. We just give families a chance to go for a hay ride and they take them around to look at the lights and that.”

This year, residents who decorate their homes are being asked to take their own pictures for judging and have them to the village office by no later than Dec. 5. Once residents have finished their wagon ride, they’re encouraged to cast their votes for the best decorated homes.

Prizes for the first, second and third best dressed houses will be announced that evening. First place will receive $50, second $30 and third $20

“About 150 people attended last year, and we’re hoping for more this year, we’re hoping for more to keep building,” Memmott explained. “People put more of an effort into (decorating their houses) and they want to get them done earlier, for the light tour.”

Pictures of the homes will be on display at the Christmas Mansion, as will Santa Claus – after he finishes driving the sleigh.

Residents can also take a tour through the brightly-lit Elvesville Christmas town at the mansion, decorated just for the holiday season.

“There’s also reindeer rides and a stroll through Elvesville – which looks really neat at night right now, it’s really colourful,” said Glory Reimer, operator of the Christmas Mansion.

“If it’s really nice we will have a bonfire. Carolers are welcome as well.”

The Christmas Mansion will be open to all Dec. 9 by donation of a non-perishable food item, however they will also be open every weekend in December, at regular cost.

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