By Lucille Bresee
The Westport Lions Club big weekend was highlighted by the Lions Santa Claus Parade and despite a cold, but mostly sunny day was a tremendous success. As one local citizen remarked “This year, with the theme, “Christmas with Elvis”” was the best yet in a long list of these festive events, at this season.” Lively bands from the area; lots of animal entries such as beautiful riding horses, smallerpets and lots of clowns all vied with each other to please the large crowd that lined the streets in this little Village along the Rideau. The children enjoyed picking up the treats tossed out to them by the hilarious clowns and people walking along with their particular floats. Of course, the lively music from the marching bands had everyone tapping their toes and getting in the spirit of the season. The three judges, Penny Warriner, Mary Cowan and Michelle Beckermann had a difficult task to choose the following winners: Closest to the Theme, by the Westport Day Care; The Most Creative by Limestone Construction and Honorable Mention, went to D. Laroque’s Little Sign Shop & D. Laroque’s Masonry, the Grinch. Parade Marshalls, Don Baker and John Rempel complimented the
business people for their enthusiastic support and their long list of entries. A good showing of antique cars and many highlights of Elvis career brought something unusual and all went over very well. Dale Lyons, the commentator, did a super job and kept everyone informed both from Parade Headquarters and in their cars as they dialed FM 89.7. Kudrinkos Country Store made a huge donation by providing food and Mark Parliament with his huge BBQ from Lakeside Fireplace and BBQ/Foley Mountain Mechanical had food for all parade participants. They gathered at St. Edward School after the parade while the little folks
had an opportunity to speak with Santa and received individual treats from their Lion friends. Lion Jim McGlade and fellow Lions collected food and funds for the local food bank and would like to thank all who were so generous.
A huge rocking horse made and donated by Ralph Noseworthy of Newboro was won by four-year-old Jaime Ross of Westport. The recent Christmas dinner for the Food Bank recipients was a great success and 42 people were in attendance at the Lake Beach House.
A trip to Perth Lions Club meeting to meet the District A4
governor, Westport Lions Club Ladies Night and Christmas Party and the distribution of the annual Christmas cakes for the elderly and house bound in this area, will carry the Christmas spirit and good will through the month of December.
Westport Lions Club 