Re-enactment of North America’s earliest Christmas celebration On Historic Georgian Bay-Lake Huron Ontario Canada

Midland Ontario………….. Nov. 27, 2006. One of the earliest historic North American Christmas events is brought back to life with the lighting of 2000 candles and the singing of the Huron Carol. The First Light Ceremony is taking place at Sainte Marie among the Hurons in the Wye Valley along the Wye River leading to Georgian Bay. The three night family event starts Thursday November 30 through until Saturday December 2. It runs nightly from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. and admission is just $4.95 per person with an accompanying non-perishable food item that will be donated to the local Salvation Army food bank. Children aged five and under are free.

Over three evenings “First Light” will showcase area talent sharing their seasonal repertoire. Guests will enjoy the inspiring Huron Carol performed on-site and local school choirs will participate throughout the event. This is the seventh year for “First Light” and the event will once again feature lots of “hands-on” activities and 17th-century crafts for little folks and adults alike. Fascinating blacksmithing demonstrations will showcase the 17th-century forge at Sainte-Marie, and Discovery Harbour will feature an interactive exhibit in the Sainte-Marie foyer.

Historic re-enactors La Compagnie Franche de la Marine will return, wearing uniforms of the 18th-century and demonstrating military drills on the historic site. Visitors can also pop by the hearth in the En Pilier building to enjoy a warm drink and chat with the Compagnie. The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre plans to exhibit natural crafts in the nearby En Colombage building.
Huronia Museum and Ouendat Village is entertaining school groups throughout the festive season with a “Festival of International Lights, showcasing eight different cultural celebrations from around the world.

For visitors wishing to stay overnight, hotels offer overnight seasonal packages that include area attractions. Comfort Inn Midland, and Best Western Highland Inn and Conference Centre are hotels close to Sainte Marie Among the Hurons.

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For more information on the Southern Georgian Bay Area see Georgian Bay Tourism
Or call 1-800-263-7745.