Christmas tree lighting also a special day for host

ST. JOSEPH ISLAND - Black Bear owner, Mary Lou Eckmeir, received a special gift as the crowd sang Happy Birthday for her at the second annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Kent's Corner this weekend.

Residents braved the bitterly cold winds to come together for the event at the Black Bear Café and Eatery.

Located at Kent’s Corner, the eatery hosted the two-hour event which offered hot chocolate, hot dogs, cookies, live music and a shuttle service. There were also several donated door prizes.

A tractor-driven hay wagon offered patrons the option of riding to their parked vehicle at neighbouring TimBr Mart which provided activities for youngsters and in-store specials.

The Saturday evening outing saw weather conditions much the same as last year at its inaugural event but, this year, with winds and snow squall conditions, the temperature was much colder.

Guests took advantage of the open wood fire to warm up or for some youngsters try their hand at roasting marshmallows and Santa was on hand to greet his guests from the young to the young at heart as they arrived by wagon.