ALMONTE 9UPDATE, DEC. 13, 4:21 p.m. — “Lucky number thirteen isn’t so lucky today. With heavy hearts, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is announcing the cancellation of the 13^th annual Kintail Country Christmas scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 14),” the MVCA released in a statement today (Dec. 13).

“A special weather statement indicates freezing rain and up to 35 millimetres of rain Friday night into Saturday,” explained Stephanie Kolsters, Mill of Kintail Site Supervisor. “While it’s always been a rain or shine event, the risk of freezing rain creates a significant safety concern for both the volunteers and visitors to the site; all we want is for everyone to have a safe and healthy holiday season.”

“It’s extremely disappointing that Mother Nature isn’t on our side. We love putting on the event as much as the community loves participating. We are very grateful for the volunteers and for the families who have made attending part of their holiday tradition,” said Shannon Gutoskie, MVCA’s Community Relations Coordinator.

ORIGINAL STORY – It’s looking a lot like Christmas at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area with the highly anticipated Kintail Country Christmas (KCC) just around the corner.

Now in its 13th year, the event continues to be a highlight for families locally and from around eastern Ontario.

“We heard from people that they loved the kids crafts, that is was a great way to spend time with their children and grandchildren; visitors loved the wagon rides through the conservation area, the trees, live music and singing and of course Father Christmas,” Mill of Kintail site supervisor Stephanie Kolsters said. “Our goal is to provide an affordable, family-oriented day where the public can enjoy the conservation area during the festive season.”

The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, will continue to see a budget-friendly entry fee of just $10 per vehicle.

“The mill is a wonderful place to visit and spend time, walking on trails, enjoying nature, and this event is a way of introducing or re-introducing the broader community to the importance of nature for families,” the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority’s community relations coordinator Shannon Gutoskie said.

“Special thanks to the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists, Ramsay Women’s Institute, North Lanark Regional Museum, Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, the Naismith Men’s Shed, Chad Clifford, Ken Ramsden, all of the wonderful volunteers and, of course, everyone who attends to make this community event a success year after year,” Kolsters said.

For more information visit www.mvc.on.ca or like the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area on Facebook. The Mill of Kintail Conservation Area is located at 2854 Concession 8, Almonte.