By Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon

 

 

The second annual Christmas-by-the-Sea Fest brought holiday cheer to St. Andrews over the weekend. Market Square transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring cozy outdoor seating around fire pits, hot cocoa and cider from Drewhaven’s festive Christmas cabin, and plenty of seasonal activities.

This year, the festival introduced its first-ever Christmas Fest Dog Costume Contest, sponsored by Fundy Bay Real Estate. I had the pleasure of co-emceeing the event with Katy MacDonald. Fifteen adorable pups strutted their stuff, competing for Best in Show. CHCO’s own Maud even made an appearance to cheer on her four-legged friends!

First place went to Ollie, a stylish Grinch with a homemade costume and a matching entourage. Second place was shared by Neo, a dapper Westie, and Cuddles, a MinPin, both impressing judges with intricate handmade outfits.

After the costume contest, a Figgy Pudding Eating Contest sponsored by J. Donovan Law Firm stole the spotlight. Dominic from Dieppe claimed victory, devouring his pudding cake in record time.

The day ended on a magical note with Santa’s grand arrival in Billy Brownrigg’s famous vintage truck, decorated with a Christmas tree. Santa took time to meet with children, hear their Christmas wishes, and pose for holiday photos.

It was a festive weekend full of fun, food, and holiday spirit in St. Andrews.

 

Sistema St. Stephen Holds First-Ever Concert

After just one semester in the community, the young musicians of Sistema St. Stephen showcased their talent in their first concert last Thursday evening at St. Stephen Elementary School.

The renowned music program, launched in St. Stephen this September, offers free violin instruction to 25 students from St. Stephen and Milltown elementary schools with plans to expand to offer more instrument instruction to more students in the future. Current students of the Sistema program have been practicing five days a week, quickly honing their skills.

Sistema St. Stephen is part of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra’s long-term plan to expand music education.

Clothesline Initiative Brings Warmth to Community

Paula Ross has been volunteering at the Food Bank in St. George. She started to get the feeling there might be some people struggling in her community of St. Andrews.

"You don't realize until you start getting involved how much of a need there is actually out there," said Ross.

She set up a clothing line. Pinned to it are items like mittens, socks, hats, and even T-shirts. More and more Charlotte County residents are struggling to make ends meet. St. Stephen Food Bank has reported a significant increase in the monthly hampers it provides to the community, from 330 to 489. But Ross says it isn't just her contributing to the clothing line.

"The community has started adding," said Ross. "Somebody came and put hand towels in a ziploc bag, and they were one of the first items to go. Somebody else has put in Christmas monuments, and there's only two Christmas monuments left."

Ross says the items are being taken off the line quickly. She had to refill much of it Friday morning. But for her, it's about supporting her fellow community members who need a little extra help.

"It's just overwhelming," said Ross. "There's such a need out there for people. My saying is, if you need it, take it, and if you can donate it, then donate it."

 

Every December, the St. Andrews Kiwanis Club spreads joy to local seniors by assembling and delivering around 120 Christmas baskets to seniors in the area, many of whom live alone. Each basket is thoughtfully filled with holiday items and treats, along with a special handwritten card from students at Vincent Massey Elementary School.

 

Sue Lister, a member of the Kiwanis Club, says it’s all about bringing the community together.

“They get a chance to say hi to a Kiwanian, get a wonderful basket of treats, and we just say thank you for being part of our community,” said Lister.

But it’s not just the adults making the magic happen. K-Kids from Vincent Massey who are part of the Kiwanis Club's youth involvement program, play a big role in the effort, from packing the baskets to organizing the hand-written cards.

“It’s important to keep it alive and keep it going because it is such a feel-good for our club and hopefully for the community as well,” Lister explained.  “All of our items are purchased locally as well, so it helps the local economy.” 

A simple act of kindness, made possible by a community working together.