Truro hitches up for the holidays

Horse-and-wagon rides part of seasonal events in downtown

History with a country twist trots into downtown Truro as the streets make way for the annual holiday horse-and-wagon rides.

On the evenings of Nov.

25, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, families and others can gather for a traditional Christmas ride.

“It’s very popular,” said Downtown Truro Partnership executive director Saribel Deslauriers.

“Kids and families love seeing downtown through our horse-and-wagon rides. It’s extra magical when it starts to snow.”

Snow or not, the image is a throwback to an idyllic country scene.

“It blends perfectly,” Deslauriers said.

“The horses and wagon are decorated with lights, and with all of our beautiful lights and decorations downtown, it makes it a magical experience. You can’t get more country than that, and this is coming from a girl who’s lived her entire life in big cities. There’s nothing more beautiful than horses and bright, beautiful lights.”

Participants must pre-register for the horse-and-wagon rides. Tickets are available via the eventbrite.ca link on the Downtown Truro Partnership website (downtowntruro.ca).

People who buy tickets are asked to show up promptly five minutes before their scheduled departure from the Young Street side of the Truro Farmers’ Market, in front of the green bay doors.

Set for three consecutive Fridays, the rides run from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9.

The first ride of this season kicks off a big weekend in downtown Truro, with the annual Santa Claus parade scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27.

“We want to bring joy to our beautiful town, especially after the last few difficult years we had (with the COVID-19 pandemic) and then just now with hurricane Fiona,” Deslauriers said.

“We want to make sure everyone enjoys the season and remember that we are stronger together and we need to support each other.”

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

The event lineup on Nov. 25 includes the Festival of Lights and tree lighting at 7 p.m. at the Civic Square.

“This is a big one, finally coming back after a two-year hiatus (because of COVID),” Deslauriers said.

“We will have free hot chocolate, cake and fireworks to end the night with the tree lighting. The Truro concert band, along with some local choirs, will be serenading us with their Christmas carols.

WLWP Wealth Planners will be having their annual toy drive as well.”

SHOPPING SPREE

Nov. 25 also marks an “evening shopping event” from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Truro.

“Our businesses and shops downtown will be staying open until 9 p.m. to give a chance for our shoppers to get ahead of their holiday shopping,” Deslauriers said.

“There will be carollers walking through our stores that will be open and the Truro Farmers’ Market will be open from 4 to 8 p.m.”

PHOTO FINISH

As part of Truro’s holiday fun, photos with Santa are planned for 670 Prince St. on three Thursdays (Dec. 1, 8 and 15) from 3 to 6 p.m., and two Saturdays (Dec. 3 and 10) from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

On Dec. 1 and 8, pet photos with Santa can be taken between 7 and 9 p.m., also at 670 Prince St.

Holiday movies are on the town calendar, with Elf showing on Dec. 11 and The Grinch animated version on Dec. 18. Both films run from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Marigold Cultural Centre.

“You can’t get more country than that … There’s nothing more beautiful than horses and bright, beautiful lights.”

Saribel Deslauriers

Downtown Truro Partnership