NEWS RELEASE

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate in West Lincoln

For Immediate Release: November 15, 2023

The Township of West Lincoln is encouraging community members to unite in merriment this holiday season through a wide array of events and initiatives. Get in the festive spirit and join the fun!

Merry Questmas

Hosted on the GooseChase app, the Township’s Merry Questmas scavenger hunt invites individuals and families to earn points by completing special Holiday-themed missions. The challenge launches at 9 a.m. on November 22 and concludes at 10 p.m. on December 20.

Participants who accumulate the most points by the end of the challenge will be entered into a draw to win a special holiday gift basket. Join the quest by downloading the GooseChase app on your smartphone and searching Game Code GJRZD9.

Merry Questmas was made possible thanks to Niagara Economic Development.

West Lincoln Shines

The Kiwanis Club of West Lincoln is hosting its 5th Annual Community Tree Lighting, in partnership with the Township of West Lincoln, Smithville Christian High School, Knights of Columbus, Foodland, Stanpac, Rebecca Mullin Desjardins Insurance and Summer Heinen Royal LePage.

West Lincoln Shines will run from 6:15 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22 in front of the West Lincoln Community Centre, at 177 West Street, Smithville. Attendees will be treated to carols sung by the Smithville Christian High School Choir, free hotdogs, hot chocolate and sweet treats.

West Lincoln Winter Market

The West Lincoln Farmers’ Market is presenting its 3rd Annual Winter Market on Saturday, November 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the West Lincoln Community Centre, at 177 West Street.

Guests can expect an array of great local food, drink, art, craft and lifestyle vendors, plus face painting, a Penny Sale by Niagara 4-H, balloon entertainment by Halaloo and live music by Stephanie DeShane.

Visit www.westlincoln.ca/farmersmarket to find the most up-to-date list of local vendors.

West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade

The West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade Committee is proud to present “Countdown to Christmas”: the 33rd Annual West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade.

In addition to displaying beautiful floats illuminated in twinkling lights, the parade will again provide a variety of opportunities for attendees to give back to the community. West Lincoln Fire & Emergency Services will be collecting non-perishable food donations for West Lincoln Community Care. St. Martin Catholic Elementary School will be collecting new and unused hats and mittens to help keep those in need warm this winter. Robert Land Academy and West Lincoln Community Care volunteers will also be collecting for the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Toonie Toy Drive.

The parade will start at 5 p.m. at the West Lincoln Community Centre, at 177 West Street, then travel east on West Street, south on Regional Road 20, concluding at the Village Square Mall, at 249 St. Catharines Street. Road closures will begin at 3:30 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. Residents are asked to please not park along the parade route during that time.

Visit www.wlparade.com for more information including a map of road closures.

West Lincoln Public Library

Letters to Santa: Library Staff are accepting letters to Santa at all three Branches until December 6, to help make sure they are delivered to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Need help with your letter? Join a writing session at the Wellandport Branch on November 28 at 6 p.m., Smithville Branch on November 30 at 3:30 p.m., and the Caistorville Branch on December 1 at 4 p.m. No registration required.

Christmas with Cricut: Visit the Caistorville Branch at 3 p.m. on December 8, and learn the limitless ways the Cricut Maker can help you take your Christmas crafts to the next level. No experience is necessary. Please register in advance by emailing info@westlincolnlibrary.ca. Adult program.

Merry Mario Kart: Kids are invited to drop in to the Smithville Branch and play popular video games on our Nintendo Switch and large screen TV on December 8 at 4:30 p.m. Library Staff will be collecting non-perishable food for the West Lincoln Community Cares Food Bank during the event. Come play and support the community! No registration required.

Open Mic Caroling: The Smithville Branch of West Lincoln Public Library is hosting a Holiday Open Mic Night at 5 p.m. on December 11. Sing your favourite carols, recite beloved holiday poems or tell a few festive jokes. No registration required. All ages.

Create a Paper Grinch Gingerbread Man: Visit the Wellandport Branch at 3:30 p.m. on December 13, to make a cute, paper gingerbread man based off of everyone’s favourite grouch from the classic story, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Recommended for ages 5 to 10. No registration required.

Get Baking a Bûche de Noël: Teens can learn basic baking skills while making this fun and tasty festive log cake at the Smithville Branch on December 16 at 2 p.m. Recommended for teens ages 13 to 18. Please register in advance by emailing info@westlincolnlibrary.ca.

Sew a Plush Gingerbread Man: Visit the Smithville Branch at 4:30 p.m. on December 18, to learn how to sew an easy plush gingerbread man that looks good enough to eat! Recommended for ages 13 to 18. Please register in advance by emailing info@westlincolnlibrary.ca.

Gingerbread House Flowerpot: Visit the Caistorville Branch at 3 p.m. on December 22, to make an ornamental hanging flowerpot you can decorate to look like a Gingerbread House. Use paint to customize your gingerbread house and make it your own. Please register in advance by emailing info@westlincolnlibrary.ca. Adult program.

Noon Year’s Eve: Ring in the New Year before midnight! Every Library Branch will be making Wishing Wands you can bring home to celebrate 2024 with your family. Join the fun at 12:30 p.m. on December 31. No registration required. Recommended for children ages 5 and up.

Free Holiday Skating

The Township of West Lincoln is sponsoring Free Public Skating sessions at the West Lincoln Community Centre Arena during the holidays again this year. Lace up your skates and enjoy a free skate on us! Details are subject to change without notice. Visit www.westlincoln.ca/skating for the latest information.

Wednesday, December 27, 3 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 28, 3 – 4 p.m.
Friday, December 29, 3 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 30, 7 – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, January 2, 3 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, January 3, 3 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, January 4, 3 – 4 p.m.
Friday, January 5, 3 – 4 p.m.

For notifications and important updates, remember to follow the Township of West Lincoln on Facebook, X and Instagram @TWPWestLincoln.

Media Contact:

Beth Audet
Communications Specialist
baudet@westlincoln.ca
905-957-3346 ext. 6737
289-244-9069