BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – Santa Claus and his cast of Christmas characters will visit Canton’s Village Park on Friday, Nov. 25.

Now in its third decade, the annual Holiday of Lights celebration, held annually on the night after Thanksgiving, will begin at 6 p.m.

“The jolly old elf will be arriving behind those two huge Percheron horses pulling his sleigh led by the village police,” said Brad Mintener, publicist for the event.

Upon Santa’s arrival the lighting of the newly-planted Robin Crowell Memorial Tree will take place and Santa will make his way through two rows of lighted torches held by members of the Canton Fire Department to the stage to visit with children.

Santa will be joined by Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

“Children from the whole Canton area are welcome,” Mintener remarked. “Frosty reminds all to dress warmly, bring a flashlight, and look forward to a memorable evening with Santa and riding on the sleigh on short trips in the village.”

Mayor Michael Dalton will serve as master of ceremonies and music in the form of caroling and recorded holiday music will resound throughout the park.

Attendees can also enjoy the all-blue-lighted Veterans tree honoring everyone who has served in the military.

Mintener also alluded to Canton’s sparkling and majestic lit trees lining Main Street through downtown.

“Each year, area businesses and individuals generously donate funds to support Canton’s Holiday of Light,” he noted. “Already, along with the Canton village crew involvement, community funding has reached nearly $3,000.”

It was also pointed out that each year community support comes in the form of candy canes and books given to each child by Santa.

In the church on Nov. 25 will be hot chocolate and cookies served by church volunteers to warm children, families and friends.