J.D. Potié
Campbell’s bay
Nov. 30, 2019
Around 60 people gathered on Front Street in Campbell’s Bay on Saturday evening, as the town . . .
held its first community Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
According to the one of the event’s organizer Chanelle Shea, the event was a way to kick off the festive season by bringing locals together to spread the joy and soak in the Christmas cheer.
At around 6:30 p.m., a large crowd of people socialized outside in the freezing cold weather, as the event’s organizer Chanelle Shea gave a word of welcome, thanking the community for taking part in the event.
Then, a group of local musicians composed of Martin Shea, Kelly Shea, Pat Shea and Willy Rivet did their best to warm up the atmosphere with a jolly set of holiday jingles.
Along with a bonfire burning on site, Mayor Maurice Beauregard and a few of his relatives kept the attendees warm, by serving tons of steaming cups of hot chocolate while inviting them to treat themselves on a wide selection of delicious pastries donated by members of the community.
“It’s a free event just to get everybody out,” Shea said.
At around 6:45 p.m., members of the Senack family ignited the Christmas tree to the delight of those who attended, as they let out a loud cheer when it finally happened.
The tree is located in front of Stephanie Ringrose’s residence, who explained that she had been taking charge of lighting it up every year, until Shea contacted her about sharing the tradition with the community this time around.
“We just did it as a family thing,” she said. “
For Shea, putting on such an event for the community was important because it brings people together while creating a vibrant atmosphere to a rural town that’s hungry for something to cheer about.
“We’re small, everything’s kind of fading out,” she said. “Let’s bring it back. Let’s feel like a community again.”
Seeing such a large number of people show up to the ceremony, Shea admitted that the community’s response was beyond what she expected.
“I’m really surprised,” she said. “I was really nervous and I’m really happy with how many people came out.”
With the event being such a success in its first edition, Shea said she’s optimistic that the ceremony will take place again next year.
“This is our first, maybe annual,” she said. “I really hope so. I think so. We’ll see how it goes.”
