‘Christmas at Ken Reid’ set to bring the community together

Nature has always provided a great backdrop to spending time with family, friends and loved ones. Kawartha Conservation is inviting the public to create wonderful new memories during the first-ever Christmas at Ken Reid community event.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, Ken Reid Conservation Area will be host to a wonderful new festive-themed, community-focused, family event with a day filled with activities, fun, animals and a visit from Santa himself.

“At the heart of ever conservation authority is people,” said Kawartha Conservation CAO Mark Majchrowski. “Our focus is on not only protecting people and property, but also on creating natural spaces where people can come and enjoy and be immersed in the outdoors.”

Thanks to the overwhelming support of our entire community, Kawartha Conservation was successful in receiving a $10,000 award from the Aviva Community Fund to host the event.

“Christmas is a magical time of year for so many people and families,” said Kristie Virgoe, director of stewardship and conservations lands. “We wanted to create an event that was free for our entire community, from young people to young at heart, and regardless of circumstance, embrace the special bond of both the Christmas spirit and being in nature.”

The free day-long event will run from 10 am-4:30 pm and feature a number of activities including horse drawn wagon rides, an interactive native wildlife display with hands-on education sessions throughout the day featuring a variety of native wildlife, wild bird seed ornament making (the birdseed does contain nuts), kids Christmas craft activities from 11:30 am-1 pm, as well adult Christmas crafting from 10:45 am.

“We are really excited to have two great local performers coming out to sing a number of selections around a camp fire, where there will be free hot chocolate and coffee for everyone,” said Ms. Virgoe. “Mary Kate Edwards and Emily Erhart are popular, local performers who we can’t wait to have performing for us at this event.”

There will also be a jingle bell interpretive nature hike along a portion of the Woodland Loop to the new accessible viewing platform overlooking the McLaren Marsh, and even Santa himself will be visiting Christmas at Ken Reid in the afternoon where parents and children can bring their cameras and have photos taken with the jolly old elf.

“We think Christmas at Ken Reid is a great way to engage our community and connect them with nature in a fun, educational way,” said Mr. Majchrowski. “There will be lots of fun and surprises at the event and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Ken Reid Conservation Area.”

Follow Kawartha Conservation online here and on Facebook here where additional details and sponsor information will be announced as Dec. 8 approaches.