The return of the Dresden Christmas Night Market and Dresden Shines has sparked a massive collaboration.
While both are following and adapting to COVID-19 guidelines, residents, businesses, and community groups alike are excited to come together again to celebrate the holiday season.
So much so that a new tagline has started to take hold: Southwestern Ontario’s Christmas Town.
At a recent Dresden Shines meeting, representatives from the Dresden Night Market, Dresden Library, BIA, Rotary Club, Horticultural Society, Dresden Legion, IODE, Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre, and both schools came together to present what their holiday plans and projects are so that they could share ideas and resources.
“We’ve noticed over the past few years that volunteers, organizations, and businesses have been coming up with unique events and activities around the holidays. With so much going on, it just makes sense to collaborate rather than compete,” said Stuart Kiar, a member of the Dresden Shines steering committee, in a media release.
Several more groups are part of the collaborative effort including the Dresden Kinsmen, Dresden Ministerial Association, Dresden Agricultural Society, local firefighters, and individuals, and many others.
“The Dresden community has been so amazing. While this year’s Christmas Night Market will be a little different from past events, community groups and volunteers have really come together to give attendees a unique holiday experience that encompasses the whole town for the entire holiday season,” stated Moréna McDonald, co-organizer of the Dresden Night Market.
The November 27th event will have local handmade vendors, food trucks, Christmas music, lights, and some special guests.
Residents are encouraged to shop the downtown businesses, drive around the Dresden area and visit light displays on the Dresden Shines Illumination Tour, take a stroll through the Library’s Story Trail and Medieval Gardens, and enjoy a drink at the Legion.
While the Christmas Night Market is a one-day event, the holiday festivities continue with the Dresden Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade on December 11, and the downtown’s Open Late ‘til 8 events every Thursday night until December 23.
Smart lights in the downtown core and displays all over town and surrounding area will continue to light up Dresden until January 1.
“While we have lots of events and activities going on in Dresden, we are also supporting local food drives, providing decorating assistance to those in need, and reaching out to migrant workers during the holidays. After the past nearly two years, we’re hoping to make Christmas a little merrier for everyone,” says Dresden Shines steering committee member Liz Kominek, in a media release.
Members of the media and local community are invited to a Dresden Shines kick-off ceremony on Thursday, November 25th at 7 p.m. in downtown Dresden in front of the municipal building.
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