Scenes from the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas kickoff
Snow softly fell as children’s laughter filled the air during Woodstock’s Christmas kickoff, opening a festive season full of events and shopping.
The kickoff festivities, held on Nov. 18, began with the annual Special Olympics Torch Parade following Santa Claus in a firetruck.
During the kickoff, a craft fair was held at the nearby New Brunswick Community College, with over 100 people in attendance and vendors selling everything, from homemade mittens to jellies and jams.
Many stores located in the downtown core and throughout town decided to keep their door open later to appeal to those attending the Christmas festivities, with some providing discounts to shoppers who visited during the event.
Many of those stores also participated in a draw that began November 1, offering one entry for every 25 dollars spent. The three names, drawn by Santa, collected prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250 in gift cards.
Sanctuary House generously provided classic Christmas characters such as Elsa, Olaf, Buddy the Elf, and The Grinch for the event, in addition to a plethora of others who delighted children and parents alike.
Kids were encouraged to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, with Sanctuary House supplying children with free popcorn and candy canes afterward.
