Home Community A Grinchy Good Time: The Whoville Festival on High Street

IMG_0214_WhovilleWide_web — Whoville in High Street, Nov 23, 2024

A Grinchy Good Time: The Whoville Festival on High Street

November 26, 2024

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By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley

Saturday, November 23rd – a night where the community came together to soak up holiday cheer! High Street, transformed into Whoville, was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with smiling faces, and businesses buzzed with activity as people popped in for treats and treasures.

Colourful lights twinkled, music flowed through the air, and dancing snow angels were hard at work, spreading magic hugs.

Three-year-old Camryn Maloney from Keswick squealed with delight as she got wrapped up in a pair of sparkling wings. Her Mom, Jessica Maloney, said, “Camryn is absolutely mesmerized by the lights and music. The street is decorated so beautifully. We are enjoying every moment of this wonderful event.”

Elaine Coates, owner of Black River Coffee and co-organizer of the festival, points out that this is exactly what the event is all about. “When you see these little ones running around with balloons, big smiles on their faces, lining up to take photos with the Grinch, and dancing to the music, you know that months of preparation have paid off. The community has truly come together.”

Caitlin Houlden from Sutton, who attends every year with her daughter Brooklyn, 5, agrees: “We love it! Every year it gets better and better—more activities for kids, lots of attractions!”

Hunter Lawson comes face-to-face with the Grinch! No hearts grew three sizes, but the smiles sure did.

Caitlin Houlden and her 5-year-old daughter Brooklyn couldn’t resist the sweet charm of the dancing gingerbread cookies.

Jessica Maloney and little Camryn get caught in the magic as snow angels wrap them in a hug so warm, even the Grinch might crack a smile!

So many attractions that Hunter Lawson, 9, can’t quite decide what her favorite part is—though meeting the Grinch might just take the crown! Like many other kids (and kids-at-heart), Hunter is sporting a Grinch-themed hat she got from a Dr. Seuss exhibit a few years back. “Of course,” she says with a grin, “I had to wear it for an event all about the Grinch!”

Her mom chimes in, “And let’s not forget another big draw—the amazing local shops.”

Supporting small businesses has never been more important, and High Street shop owners really stepped up to the challenge this year, going all out to welcome visitors and spreading festive cheer. Fully embracing the Whoville spirit, every storefront had creative Grinch-themed décor—so much so that it was impossible not to stop for a photo (or ten)!

Since last year’s festival, High Street has seen some exciting new additions, such as Sunny’s Flowers, and Cutie Pies Bakery, while the old Scotia Bank building has been transformed into a treasure trove of antiques.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Sutton BIA and their army of festive volunteers, the Grinch-themed festival was a roaring success—although the Grinch himself might not agree: he’s still recovering from all the holiday cheer! From candy-filled goodie bags to eye-catching decorations, every detail came together to create a night the community won’t soon forget.

As the lights dimmed one thing was clear: the holiday spirit of Whoville didn’t just shine—it overflowed. See you next year! Keep the hot chocolate warm and the hugs ready!