Downtown Tilbury is preparing for two major holiday events this November, promising festive fun and showcasing the town’s growing appeal as a destination in Chatham-Kent.
The celebrations begin Saturday, Nov. 15, with the fourth annual Outdoor Christmas Market from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. More than 65 local vendors will line the streets, offering holiday décor, gifts and seasonal treats.
Families can enjoy free face painting, a scavenger hunt, and entertainment including Christmas carolers, Gingerbread Girls street performers and music by DJ Gus Harcus. Visitors can warm up with free Tim Hortons hot chocolate. The Tilbury Lions Club barbecue booth and the Tilbury Kinsmen will offer food and drinks for purchase. The event is sponsored in part by Boralex.
“We can’t take any more vendors as many more people are interested,” said Gloria Mailloux, exec-utive director of the Tilbury BIA.
“We believe Tilbury is one of the main destinations in Chatham-Kent that is booming. A lot of new businesses are coming to town and we are excited to have this growth.”
Mailloux added that Tilbury’s location along Highway 401 makes it ideal for visitors.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people for these two great events,” she said.
During a tour of the downtown core with the Tilbury Times Reporter, Mailloux shared ideas for future growth and thanked local volunteers for their efforts.
“The Tilbury and District Horticultural Society works tirelessly to keep our downtown beautiful through spring, summer and fall,” she said. “We have a lineup of new ideas to make our business community strong.”
Two weeks later, on Friday, Nov. 28, the town will host its annual Santa Claus Parade, dubbed “Candy Cane Lane.”
Staging begins at 6 p.m., with the parade starting at 7 p.m. Santa will make his way to Memorial Park to greet children, followed by the official lighting of the Christmas Light Festival by the Til-bury Lions Club. The light display will run nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. until Jan. 9.
The parade will feature marching bands, floats, dancing LED snow angels, mascots and, of course, Santa and his helpers. Organizers say both events are designed to bring the community together and support local businesses during the holiday season.
The BIA is also looking for volunteers to assist with these events and help strengthen the community. Anyone interested can email bia@tilburyontario.com to get involved.
