CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT - FOOD BANK CONCERT AT THE OPERA HOUSE - BEGINS AT 7 P.M. - PLEASE JOIN US

WE WANTED TO HAVE THE NEW CHRISTMAS TREE-IN-A-BOX LIT-UP FOR TONIGHT'S BENEFIT CONCERT FOR OUR "NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING CONCERT" FOR THE SALVATION ARMY FOOD BANK. LET'S JUST SAY IT'S A WORK IN PROGRESS, BECAUSE THE LIGHTS ON THIS NEW TREE WON'T STAY ON FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. IT MAY BE THAT THE OPERA HOUSE GHOST IS PLAYING A PRANK, BECAUSE THE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON……AND WHEN YOU TURN YOUR BACK, THEY TURN OFF BY THEMSELVES. DESPITE THE EFFORTS OF MANY, MANY FOLKS TO TRY TO KEEP THEM ON……WELL, NOTHING HAS WORKED…..FOR LONG…..SO FAR. SO IF YOU COME OUT TO THE CONCERT TONIGHT FOLKS, WE OFFER AN APOLOGY IN ADVANCE. THE CEREMONIAL CHRISTMAS TREE MAY BE ILLUMINATED……OF WHICH WE SHALL SHOUT OUT WITH GOOD CHEER…….OR BE A PART OF THE DARK SKY PROGRAM WE'RE PROMOTING IN THIS TOWN.

On a more positive note, Fred Schulz, Andrew and Robert, and a large crew of technicians, stage hands, and performers, young and old, are ready to roll out this year's fundraiser, beginning at 7 p.m. Andrew started decorating the Opera House (inside) tree and stage last weekend, and last night the stage crew worked until nine o'clock setting out the equipment, drums and guitar stands, in preparation for the show. It's what Andrew enjoys most, I think, is decorating the Opera House for this Christmas evening. He's always had a fascination about the Christmas season, and this is such a wonderful opportunity, with a great backdrop, and a lot of helpers, to let loose. He's particularly happy to be recognizing the under-celebrated 110th anniversary of the Opera House, here in Gravenhurst……and that's why he worked feverishly behind the scenes to get that tree-lighting conundrum corrected. But there's too much festive good cheer now, to worry about things like this…..when the Salvation Army food bank needs our help.

We hope the snow squalls won't hit Gravenhurst at concert time, or stop anyone from getting to and from the venue. But it's a Canadian winter after all, and Muskoka is situated in a snowy region……and it's perfect for our Christmas backdrop, tree lights or not. We have been a little disappointed by the sponsorship decline, but we understand the economic circumstances this year. We know it's tough out there, and that's why we hope folks…..and you to, will attend the community Christmas celebration, even if you find that can't afford to make a donation. This event is open to you and family regardless, because we do sincerely believe, we should make a point of coming together for the common good at this time of the year.

We want to show the Salvation Army that the town does appreciate their tremendous dedication to helping us be a better community…..by keeping the Food Bank in operation……and helping the less fortunate get by the rough patches.

The young performers and the veterans of the stage, have pulled together a nice, hopefully entertaining show tonight, that they would really like to share with you. They've worked hard and long, and especially so over the past month. We're all a little nervous…..it comes with the territory. But Fred Schulz will again navigate us through the program, as he has for the past half-decade, and tell us a little bit about the history of a venue he is particularly fond……the Gravenhurst Opera House.

If you can't come out, Merry Christmas to you just the same.