Each year the Town has an evening where awards are made to citizens who have made significant contributions to the community. These are mostly for volunteers but also include sporting achievements and bravery.  Professionals and town employees are not eligible. The selection is made by a committee chaired this year by Karen Chalovich and they are now accepting nominations.  Any citizen can make a nomination but it’s not a trivial task since you need to get supporting documents from others who agree with your choice.  You can get the necessary forms from the Town by download (link below) or pick them up from the Town Hall.  The “Theme” this time will be “Arts and Culture” so cultural organizations are encouraged… Read complete articleCall for Civic Award Nominations

It must be getting close to Christmas because the latest fundraiser had a Christmas theme – that’s if Reindeer count.  The YMCA and the NHH Foundation jointly sponsored a Reindeer run in Victoria Park this morning (that’s Saturday December 1st).  There were about 150 participants in 4 events all starting at around 9:30.  The first was for toddlers who just wanted to join in; the second was a 1km Reindeer dash for kids (they followed a costumed “reindeer”) and the other two were a 3km and 5km run although many participants took it easy – walking or even strolling with a stroller.  The route for the runs is shown in the map below and the photos give an idea of… Read complete articleReindeer Run

Downtown Cobourg was alive and in a Festive mood on Friday night.  Hundreds turned out to see the 23rd annual ceremony to turn on the lights.  The Legion Pipes and Drums entertained as did the girls from Jennifer’s Jazzitup Studio with their dance routine in front of Victoria Hall.  The empty store opposite Victoria Hall was filled with Christmas Market vendors as well as entries in the Gingerbread house competition (see photos and link below).  The temperature was just above freezing but cold enough to make the Market popular as a keep warm location.   As well as vendors and the Gingerbread Festival, a group of carollers entertained and Christmas characters strolled around both in the Market and outside.  Also spotted… Read complete articleParty Atmosphere for Lights-on

Despite the two degree temperature, a good crowd turned out to watch this year’s Santa parade on Sunday. There was no sunshine but also no rain or snow and little or no wind which meant it was not bad considering the weather in the previous week or two. Depending on who you spoke to and probably depending on their memories, the parade was better or not so good. I counted six bands which is good although I thought there were fewer large floats. However, the major attraction – Santa – was on a lower sleigh. It was probably easier to see him but it somehow was not as impressive as the one where he looked down from on high. But… Read complete articleSanta Parade – 2018

The last event in the series celebrating the 150th birthday of Marie Dressler was held on her actual birthday, last Friday November 9.  The venue was the Art Gallery of Northumberland and as well as the requisite speeches, it featured the La Jeunesse choir singing for the approx. 73 who came to the party. They performed “Singing in the Rain” in honour of Marie who sang this song in the 1929 Hollywood Revue as well as the requisite “Happy Birthday” and another song. Actress Carlotta Rutledge portrayed Marie and when the kids made birthday cards for Marie she presented them with presents. In attendance were MPP David Piccini, Mayor Gil Brocanier and several Councillors. The party was kicked off by… Read complete articleMarie Dressler’s Birthday party

On Friday November 23, 2018 as part of Cobourg’s Christmas Magic tree lighting ceremony, the Habitat for Humanity’s Gingerbread Festival will start displaying gingerbread houses.  The Festival will run from 5 pm on Friday 23rd to 5pm on Sunday, November 25th and will be located in the large empty store across the street from Victoria Hall. This will be the first time in the three year history of the event that all entries will be in the one location. Organizers are currently estimating that this year there will be over 50 community entries and 8-10 professional entries. But there’s more. In the same location and at the same times, the DBIA is organizing a Christmas Market for downtown merchants. The… Read complete articleEmpty Store to be used for 2018 Gingerbread Festival

Maybe it was because it was the 100th anniversary of Armistice day or maybe because the weather was OK and it was a weekend – but whatever the reason, it was good to see such a large turnout on Sunday at the Remembrance Day ceremonies – I estimated close to 1000 showed their respects.  Most of the local representatives of the people (otherwise known as politicians) marched and were at the ceremonies – both MP Kim Rudd and MPP David Piccini laid wreaths.  Although Cobourg is still primarily Christian, it was surprising that other beliefs were not respected.  Council meetings have become neutral, but it seems this has not extended to November 11 ceremonies.  However, I did notice a First… Read complete articleCobourg Remembers