One of Canada’s largest and most iconic sculptures – a massive steam locomotive pulling a coal car, a passenger car and a caboose – took its place today as the westerly gateway to St. Thomas.

With the installation nearly complete, creator Scott McKay grinned widely, “It went up without any problems or surprises.” The impressive sculpture will, however, surely be a surprising treat for those coming upon it as they use the west end roundabout.

Sinbad the Sailor opened Thursday Dec 7th at the Princess Ave Playhouse with a huge cast, including waves of children and young adults brimming with enthusiasm. The show includes a wonderful variety of visuals, pace, and colour.  From music to set to lighting the audience is taken on a high seas adventure!

The lights were turned on for four evenings at the CASO Station to present the best of the season and a fundraiser for the on-going restoration of the historic building. Some photos from the November 30 are included below. Night Market dates: Tues Nov 28, Thur Nov 30, Wed Dec 13, Thur Dec 14.

A great community effort on the part of director, actors, and crew brought Peter Pan to the WEDS stage, for preview night on November 30th.

Rogers Hometown Hockey rolled into downtown St. Thomas for the weekend of Nov 18 & 19. Enthusiastic crowds joined in the fun with special hockey guests, games and prizes, live music and the finale, a Rogers Hometown Hockey outdoor viewing party with Ron McLean and Tara Slone.

Many of the businesses in Sparta kicked off the Christmas season with special events and happenings over the annual Christmas in Sparta weekend. Below are photos from a few of them on Saturday.

The annual Christmas tree lighting outside City Hall in St. Thomas took place with a countdown to turn on the lights, hot chocolate, carols and a visit from St. Nick.

Volunteers, homeowners and businesses presented the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives 16th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes November 17th and 18th. Stops included four homes as well as the Museum with opportunity to view the "Memories of Main Street" Exhibit, enter for prizes and try some treats and samples. The tour is the Museum's biggest fundraising event of the year.

In celebration of the 150th birthday of Canada, the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre presented "It Takes a Village", an exhibition of portraits created by Artist Elizabeth Kusinski. The exhibition runs till December 30th. Many of the portrait subjects were on hand for a packed opening on November 10th. 

In connection with its current exhibit Relive Expo67 the Elgin County Museum hosted a National Day on October 28, similar to those held for participating countries at Expo67. Community groups representing Germany, England and Colombia shared their treasures and traditions.