Simcoe is ready to sparkle as the 67th Annual Simcoe Christmas Panorama kicks off this weekend!
We spoke with Lucas Wilson, a member of the Panorama board of directors, about the popular event and asked him to put it into words for someone who is new to the community.
The festival will remain open nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., including all holidays, running through January 1st.
But it all starts this Saturday.
For generations of families, the moment the lights are switched on marks the true beginning of the holiday season, and organizers take pride in preserving that tradition.
And preserving that tradition takes time.
Families have their favorites-some seek the snowman, others Humpty Dumpty or Ebenezer Scrooge-and volunteers enjoy listening to feedback from guests as they experience the displays.
Despite its grandeur, the Panorama runs almost entirely on donations and sponsorships.
Volunteers handle setup, maintenance, and teardown, while Norfolk County provides some assistance.
Wilson emphasizes the importance of community support.
Visitors can contribute through e-transfer to simcoechristmaspanorama@gmail.com, through the festival’s GoFundMe page, or in-person by donating to volunteers or purchasing light-up wands.
Every contribution helps the Panorama grow and continue creating cherished memories for Norfolk County families.