Hundreds flock to race track on Saturday for Christmas celebration
December 1, 2024 at 8:57 PM
Hundreds of people were treated to a Christmas celebration on Saturday at the Fort Erie Race Track.
Hosted by Fort Erie Festivals, the event included face painting, bouncy castles, pony rides, an appearance from Fluffy the Clown, an ice sculpture and juice stand, and more kids activities.
Other than an opportunity for people to donate to the cause through a 50/50 draw and an online raffle, everything offered was free of charge.
“That’s why we do it,” said Barb Horning, Fort Erie Festivals board member, when asked about how special it is to offer an event like this without asking families to pull out their wallets a few weeks before Christmas.
“We never want to charge,” she added.
Venessa Lukacs paints Gary Earle’s face on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioThe event was born in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a drive-thru event with fireworks that kept everyone distanced, a spinoff of the Fort Erie Santa Claus Parade.
It remained completely outdoors in 2021 but moved indoors in 2022.
Fireworks were not in the budget this year, but it’s possible they will return in 2025, said Horning.
Lylah Horning is guided by Cesina Battista from Pony Paradise during Saturday’s event at the Fort Erie Race Track. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio“We’re looking at maybe changing things up a bit, and we’re having those discussions,” she said.
Fort Erie Festivals is thankful for the many community sponsors who assist the event, as well as grants from upper levels of government in previous years.
One has already been approved for next year, and the organization will resume generating bingo revenue in the new year, something they haven’t done since 2020.
Hannah Danko clowning around with Fluffy the Clown. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio“If everything goes well, we will get about $15,000,” said Horning, adding this could cover the cost of fireworks.
Horning also said that fireworks, if scheduled for Saturday, would have been cancelled due to the weekend’s weather forecast.
Photos with Santa were also being taken by the Fort Erie Kinettes through donation.
Maverick Seneca has his photo taken with Santa on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio“Anything we do make goes right back into the community,” said club president Nikki George, noting that the funds brought in support this year’s Christmas assistance program.
The pony rides were offered by Pony Paradise and face painting was done by Venessa Lukacs.
Have your say: Shape the future of Fort Erie’s parks and trails
CNOY falls short of goal as Fort Erie walks for brain injury support
Black History Month: Future Black Female drop-in sessions at FEIA
About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
Stay Informed