Christmas at Ken Reid returns Saturday, December 3

November 17, 2022 – Kawartha Conservation’s Christmas at Ken Reid returns on Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with all of the free family events and activities visitors to the conservation area have come to enjoy as a kick-off to the holiday season.

“We are so thrilled to be able to hold Christmas at Ken Reid in person again, after a two-year absence,” said Kristie Virgoe, Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands. “Our staff always look forward to this event; there are so many smiling faces, the kids have an amazing time, and we get to welcome so many new and returning visitors to Ken Reid Conservation Area.”

Christmas at Ken Reid is a free all-day event featuring Story Walks with Mrs. Claus along the story walk trail, horse drawn wagon rides, along with some festive caroling, musical entertainment by Gerald Vanhalteren, interactive cultural experience with Jake Charles, kid’s crafts, story time with the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, and of course, visits with Santa Claus.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring back the birds of prey demonstration again for Christmas at Ken Reid,” said Rebecca Pomeroy, Events and Community Support. “The response to the Royal Canadian Falconry show at our Kawartha Fall Festival was really overwhelming, and we are excited to be able to have them return for this event.”

Christmas at Ken Reid has always been about connecting the community with nature by offering a unique holiday experience at no cost to visitors.

“We understand Christmas and the holiday season can be a difficult time for a lot of people, financially, emotionally and mentally,” said Virgoe. “This event is our way of helping to create an experience that everyone can attend and enjoy regardless of their circumstances and spend time in a fun environment, the outdoors, enjoying this beautiful space.”

During the event, staff and volunteers will be collecting donations for the Kawartha Lakes Food Source to help provide support to those who need it throughout the holiday season.

Also supporting Christmas at Ken Reid, the City of Kawartha Lakes is providing transit service to and from Ken Reid Conservation Area from behind Canadian Tire in Lindsay. The service will run on the hour from Lindsay beginning at 9:30 a.m. and every half hour from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Similar to prior years, there will be parking onsite for Christmas at Ken Reid, with volunteers helping to direct visitors to the appropriate areas. The off-leash dog park will also be closed on Saturday, December 3 for the duration of Christmas at Ken Reid.

“Our staff have all been busy working to support Christmas at Ken Reid, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone once again this year and to see the kids and parents and families all having a great time and to really just enjoy and embrace the sentiment of the holiday season,” added Virgoe.