Stoughton streets became a busy place on Dec. 3 when the third annual Welcome to Winter was held, and milder temperatures were a big help.
The event is put on by the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce and nearly every business had a part in the festivities.
At the Drop-in Centre, there was a lineup when kids wanted to visit Santa and tell him what they were wanting for Christmas. Amanda Brigden from ABsees Photography was on hand, taking photos of the 60 children that attended.
The centre had a bake sale with lots of sweet treats for purchase, with the proceeds returned to the Drop in Centre. They had a draw for a poinsettia, which was won by June Krell.
Further down, a table was set up with a chili cookoff. The aroma could be detected the moment a person walked in the door. Pre-registration was needed for this, and the public could sample the recipes and vote for their favourite. This honour went to Juvi Rulloda. Fifty-five people placed their votes in this event.
Another table had Coderre Construction set up with the opportunity to guess the amount of candies in the jar. There was a category for kids and adults. Rhonda Sangster won the blanket and Beau Ksenych took home the candy.
The Stoughton Agriculture Society sold tickets on a $400 raffle basket, which was donated by local and area businesses and won by Donna Morrison.
The Stoughton Lions Club sold 50/50 tickets, and this brought in over $1,600 for the winner, Lynn Young.
Raffle tickets were sold for the Stoughton Play School, but the draw will not be held until Dec. 17.
Lakeview Insurance also had a guess the amount in the jar. This one contained Christmas balls, and the winner was Barrett Brigden.
The Crossroads Bar and Grill offered a photo booth, hot chocolate and outside the Stoughton and Tecumseh Fire Department served up supper. Stoughton and District First Responders were collecting hats, scarves and winter coats to be handed to those in need. Last year they helped 15 people keep warm during the winter months.
Stoughton Credit Union allowed kids to write a letter to Santa, and Vivid Ink had the ugliest sweater contest with treat bags for the kids and some vendors.
Prairie Pantry and Blondie’s Car Wash played pin the nose on Rudolph, offered visits with Mrs. Claus and provided the popular candy cane lane.
Beauty by Jo, Poplar Tree Inn and Stought’s Eatery had winter drinks, cupcakes, popcorn and cozy hands.
The Stoughton Public Library had a teen photo contest, and over 120 people voted, while the Girl Guides sold cookies and helped with the reindeer food craft.
At the town office, gingerbread houses were set up in council chambers. Stoughton Credit Union won the business category. The family category was won by the Clarks and Jaina S. won the youth category. Over 60 people voted for their favourite submission.
The Co-operatives had a slice of pizza and pop, and a scratch and save with every purchase.
Stoughton Meat Market offered 15 per cent off their grocery purchases during this time, while Mindy’s Pizza and Goodwill Bakery also added to the event when it came to the scavenger hunt.
The clip clop of hooves could be heard coming down the street as Stoughton Veterinarian Services took care of the wagon ride with their team of horses. This wagon was always full as they drove around town.
The event was well attended throughout the evening. The chamber also has the Elf Stoughtonberry Starlight visiting throughout town, and she will continue to be out and about throughout the coming days.
