I can't write "December 2024!" without putting the exclamation point at the end. Imagine – the last month of the year, a month of giving, and lots of cheer. But most of all, it’s a time to think about those who are not as fortunate – the cold weather, the cost of food and housing, and most of all, worries about the future in 2025. We, at TI Life, thank everyone for sharing some of the local Christmas spirit with friends and neighbours. It’s still possible to contribute to organizations that will help make this a Merry Christmas on both sides of the border.
River Santa!
As you read TI Life in December 2024, Santa already will have arrived in Alexandria Bay, thanks to Doug Tulloch and his band of elves. We recently learned that this is Doug’s last year heading up this special event. But he is pleased to announce that next year in 2025, Santa will arrive at a different dock in December, in Clayton, NY. Alexandria Bay will continue to welcome Santa, but in the middle of the summer!
The statistic about the event are amazing. Over the past nine years the number of presents delivered is in excess of 8300 - the amount of money delivered to the school backpack programs and to food pantries and organizations will top $200,000 after this week. Talk about support!
So watch for 2025 - Christmas in July will happen all over again in Alexandria Bay and the Rotary Club in Clayton will take over the arrangements in December and will make this their project. So stay tuned, as Santa will still be coming to town.
Thanks, Doug Tulloch
Sigh, we really mean "thanks" Doug Tulloch. It seems like yesterday that I first met you and you told me about your Santa Festival project. The past nine years have been amazing for the North Country!
This his year Doug added this post to his Facebook page on December 8, 2024:
That brings us to the parade. LOL, I was actually warmer swimming. Our costume characters from Hearts For Youth are always a big hit with all the kids. They braved freezing temperatures and driving snow and wind, and when it was all done, they told me how much fun they had doing it. We are very grateful for those kids."
"To my volunteer walkers who handed out a couple thousand candy canes with reminders attached for next week's event … (December 14). It wasn't possible without you. Thank you."
“Lastly, to Grant and TowBoatUS, bravo! You have been there for us on land and on the water for many years now. To drive through blizzard conditions so that we could all get cold and wet advertising next week's event was beyond the call of duty. I've also never seen so much candy in one place. That does not even include the candy that hit me. Ha ha, flying Kit Kats.”
GoFundMe
There is still time to contribute for 2024. This amazing GoFundMe campaign will provide gifts for children attending the River Santa Festival. Like last year, donations will be made for a combination of backpack programs from local school districts. Also, remember donations will be made to several food pantries and emergency service organizations.
As the 1000 Islands River Santa Festival Committee says,
"This truly is an event for the entire Thousand Islands and serves all children 12 and under who believe in Santa, and then through the food programs, it takes care of people who are coming up a little short these days. We make sure the kids go home with food, the backpack programs, and the food pantries, which have some extra money to work with. Thank you for any donations you're able to make. Any dollar amount makes a difference."
A special contest!
Winter is here. Already, we have had mild, cold, rainy, blizzards, and freezing rain—take your pick—we have it all on the St. Lawrence River. To get prepared, the City of Kington has a new Snow Plow Truck. Rather than just giving it a number, there was a contest, and the chosen one will surely make you smile.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Happy New Year, Too!
We need you!
Readers, please remember to keep up-to-date throughout the winter with future events and notices for each of our Thousand Islands communities. And that reminds me that we need you to check out this section of TI Life and suggest edits. Please make sure our information is correct. Send corrections to info@thousandislandslife.com. Also, check out local news in:
Facebook
• 1000 Islands River Rats Now and Then
• Thousand Islands Life Facebook
Online media
• The Kingstonist
• NNY360, Watertown Daily Times.
Stay safe, enjoy this holiday season, and most of all Happy New Year!
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
Plus the TI Life Team: Elspeth Naismith is the "Real Editor, " and our proofreaders are Georgia Barker, Dane Zabriskie, and Rick Taylor. In addition, Jennifer Caddick covers social media, Dan Mathias posts events, Beth Lavos posts books, Marie-Anne Erki is our illustrator, Allison Burchell-Robinson has joined the team, and last but not least, Mike Cox is our IT Magician.
[Header photo by James R. Miller]
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 12, December 2024, News article, People, Places, Current
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