Santa to Visit Hamlet of Formosa this year for Christmas in the Country!

Santa’s Headquarters in Lapland Finland held a special press conference this past week, to announce that Christmas in the Country (previously held in Hanover, Ontario, Canada), is moving to the Hamlet of Formosa. Reporters from around the world gathered to hear the official word from the jolly old elf himself.

Santa explained that he was notified by event organizers, early on, that they had outgrown Sulphur Spring Conservation Area and, after much deliberation, finally chose the Hamlet of Formosa as the new location. He also went on to say that he is very familiar with Formosa and thought the quaint hamlet would be an excellent venue for this one-of-a-kind Christmas event.

Although Santa’s schedule is extremely busy, he said he will be on hand for all three days of the event, December 6 (5 – 10pm), 7 (2 – 10pm), and the 8th (2 – 7pm). One reporter asked what made this location so special? “It’s a small community with a big heart”, Santa replied.

Santa’s Head Elf, Bushy Evergreen, stated that the event provides a combination of different activities for every age! “Activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, craft making, free hot apple cider, horse rides, an animal barn, train rides, motorized duck rides, story-telling, a Home and Hobby Show and so much more! Visitors can also get warm and cozy at the Christmas Café complete with homemade food, hot, out-of-the oven cookies and so much more! In addition, there will be tours of the beautiful Formosa church. I’ve never seen so much good cheer”, responded Busy Evergreen.

Elf Pepper Minstix, said that her favourite attractions include the Elf Eatery, where Santa will be located, as well as the Pioneer Encampment with its demonstrations and costumed characters.

Admission for the event is $10.00 per adult, $3.00 for kids and pre-schoolers are free. Please note that this event is held in a small community with parks and natural areas. There may be uneven terrain. Tickets can be ordered in advance at eventbrite.ca. Santa also wanted to remind everyone to ‘dress for the weather’!

On Thursday enjoy a drive-thru lights only from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Donations appreciated!

One local reporter asked Santa if the event is still a fundraiser. Santa stated that yes, indeed, the good folks at the Saugeen Valley Conservation Foundation and the Hamlet of Formosa will put all proceeds to good use on local initiatives, as well as local conservation projects.

Just as the press conference was wrapping up, there was a great commotion at the back of the room. All reporters turned to find a tall, mean-looking, green character looking rather irritable and demanding to know when he could expect something for Christmas?” Santa, always the gentlemen, responded without skipping a beat “why, when your heart grows three sizes in one day!” For more information, please visit www.svca.on.ca.