Old-Fashioned Christmas elects new board
SHERBROOKE — The annual Old-Fashioned Christmas organizing group elected a new slate of directors, including Chair Wendy Shelly, during a March 20 board meeting.
Shelly, a retired company administrator who moved to Nova Scotia in 2022, served as vice-chair of the board for the past year. Jerry Clarke has taken over that position with Shelly’s move to the presidency.
“Christmas is one of my passions,” said Shelly, who read an article inviting people to come and find out what the OFC Christmas board is all about. She responded with an email of interest and received a reply from Dana O’Connell, who she succeeds as chair, asking if she would like to be on the board.
“I seized the opportunity to be part of the Old-Fashioned Christmas event. It enabled me to learn and understand the past and future ideas to keep the event moving in a positive way. The ability to be part of the team offered me an insight into many valuable experiences from the group, as well as developing personal growth.”
O’Connell decided to step down this year due to a heavy workload and other commitments. Although he is no longer on the board, he will continue to help with the many weeks of preparations and decorating that takes place in the months leading up to the event.
“It has been a pleasure working with so many volunteers over the past eight years who all had the same goal – to showcase Sherbrooke Village Museum in an Old-Fashioned Christmas setting and offer an event that is fun, exciting and enjoyable for families young and old,” he said.
O’Connell added, “The current board is strong, full of initiative and good leadership. I wish them all the best for the continued success of this very special event.”
The annual Old-Fashioned Christmas at Historic Sherbrooke Village, which launched 27 years ago, not only attracts local residents, but also visitors from as far away as Halifax and Cape Breton.
“It has brought happiness to thousands of people, and has become part of our Sherbrooke heritage,” O’Connell said.
Although there are no firm plans, Shelly said the Old-Fashioned Christmas team had a productive brainstorming session that generated numerous new ideas for this year.
“By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a creative and collaborative environment, we are laying the groundwork for an effective and nurturing vision that we trust will drive positive change and increase community engagement and involvement,” the new chair said.
Organizing and creating the magic that is Old-Fashioned Christmas each year depends solely on the effort of volunteers. From the board members who plan the event and those who make the decorations and place them throughout the Village, to those who assist drivers to park their cars during the weekend and assist visitors who have questions – every single detail is based on the hard work and generous giving of time, energy and the willingness to bring the event to fruition by volunteers.
That effort applies to the funds needed to produce the event as well. There are grant applications to be filed, and fundraising efforts to be set in motion and fulfilled, months prior to the weekend celebration.
Shelly said the Old-Fashioned Christmas team will be tackling the fundraising this year by incorporating a variety of activities that engage the community. She is hopeful that more businesses will support the event, and there will be more people willing to come out and join the group of volunteers who are already gearing up to begin working and raising funds to ensure the celebration takes place in November.
“We will be building on established events, like the Sherbrooke Saturday Market and the Show and Shine, along with exploring new ideas like contests and online fundraising,” Shelly explained. “By being creative and involving the community in different ways, we can enhance participation and hopefully increase our fundraising success.”
When asked if there was a vision for the future of the Old-Fashioned Christmas, Shelly responded, “To see even more of the joy and magic of a traditional Christmas brought to people during these challenging times. Hopefully, with efforts to adapt and create new traditions while still embracing the old, the Old-Fashioned Christmas can bring even more happiness to our community for the 28th year.”
Shelly said it’s truly incredible to witness the dedication and selflessness of all the volunteers who come together to make the event successful, adding it is their consistent support, positive energy and unwavering commitment that are the driving force behind its smooth operation.
“Their tireless efforts and infectious enthusiasm create a vibrant and joyful atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved,” said Shelly. “The camaraderie and collective spirit of the volunteers truly makes them the unsung heroes of the event.”
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Joanne Jordan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Guysborough Journal
