COOL YULE ROTARY CAROL SING-ALONG EVOKES WARM MEMORIES IN CALM BEFORE STORM

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — Call it cold comfort — or the calm before the storm.

A Christmas Carol sing-along last night — out at the Rotary Club of Bracebridge Centennial Garden was a cool yule — enough to warm your heart and melt any back of minds thoughts of the snow blowing in from the North Pole today.

More than 60 people from toddlers to seniors sang their hearts out to the joyful sounds of an impressive Salvation Army quintet that braved the cold with nary an errant flat or sharp note in their last seasonal performance before Christmas Sunday.

Among their most ardent admirers was little James Cairns, 4, who probably enjoyed the night the most as he flitted about loudly enjoying the festive festivities and entertaining the crowd.

For the many Rotarians on hand it was  chance to share the sounds of the season present and past with new choristers to the annual tradition at the park by the round-about next to The Pines retirement residence.

It was as if the Gardens park gazebo was a manger and the shepherds and wise men and women had gathered to celebrate a rebirth after COVID, which caused the sing-along to be cancelled.

Led by choral director Neil Hutchinson, the standout Rotarian who passed a red-feathered hat around to each person calling the next tune, the 45-minute evening song was a fun way to share a cosy Muskoka night beneath a forest of Christmas trees encircled by and strung with strands of coloured lights.

It was reminiscent of days of yore when Sally Ann bands would gather on street corners — around kettles — and sing carols and hymns. Fond memories for many on hand.

Hot chocolate and a few sweets were available to share and complete the festive affair.

Rotarian Neil Hutchinson led the cool yule choir that included more than 60 young and old last night at the Rotary Centennial Gardens in annual Christmas Carol sing-along.
A beautiful-sounding Bracebridge Salvation Army quintet hit all the right notes in carrying the tune for 45 minutes.
Front to back joyful sounds of the season could be heard in a night leading up to Christmas on Sunday.
Madison Heron, 8, made good use of the Rotary song books provided as she sang along happily with the band.
Choral director Neil Hutchinson shared his fine-feathered chapeau with each of those who chose a song.
Pine trees were lit up to look like Christmas at home, as a cosy choir shared good will and good cheer. 
Afterwards there was time for fellowship, a hot cuppa cocoa and some sweets with friends.
Behind the festive Rotary Club of Bracebridge Centennial Gardens fencing last night were the lustily celebratory sounds of the season.

From Deck the Halls to We Wish You a Merry Christmas all the top carols were covered.

A lovely version of Silent Night at the band and their choir in haunting harmony.

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