This year the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee decided to bring back a tradition to gather all the discarded Christmas trees, and with the help of the fire department and other volunteers to have a celebration involving a bonfire along the beach. South Dundas firefighter Bill Chafe is seen in this photo feeding the flames slowly to allow the event to last just a little longer. Tinkess Photo

MORRISBURG – I don’t think there is anything that looks much sadder than a Christmas tree that has been dropped at the end of the driveway in early January. What only days before was the focus of so many family gatherings and happy memories is now something to just be discarded and left to decompose, bits of tinsel, garland, or the odd overlooked ornament the only hint of the meaning it once held.

Years ago, (around 2012 or there abouts according to Deputy Mayor Marc St. Pierre), it was a tradition in Morrisburg to gather all the discarded trees, and with the help of the fire department and other volunteers to have a celebration involving a bonfire along the beach. Like many things, it died off at some point, but this year the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee decided to bring it back and add a little bit of fun, warmth, and light to that period after the holidays when many people could use a little boost.

Nancy Waldroff of the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee says the committee felt this event was keeping with their goal of promoting activities along the waterfront.

“This used to be a thing in the past,” said Waldroff. “But that was many years ago, and then it kind of died. We thought, because we want to have lots of activities at the waterfront, things that are free, fun, and family oriented, why don’t we try this?

While it wasn’t as mild as it has been earlier in the week, there was very little wind and there was a light snow falling, which set the mood perfectly. The fire department was there for safety reasons but also took care of setting up the first bunch of trees, getting the fire started and then feeding the flames in a safe and controlled fashion. The Morrisburg and District Lions Club provided the hot dogs and the hot chocolate, which proved to be extremely popular.

Mayor Jason Broad tries to get to as many community events as possible and this was no exception. “It’s a great way to start the New Year,” said Mayor Broad. “It’s nice to see people getting out and enjoying the park, and it’s great for families because there is no cost.”

Councillor Cole Veinotte was in attendance as well and was busy helping place the trees and when the time came, he got the fire started.

If you’ve ever seen a dry Christmas tree burn, you know it goes up very quickly. When you’ve got 15-20 in a pile, well, it certainly takes the chill off.

Between the barricades and the firefighters, everyone was kept at a safe distance and with no wind, the smoke drifted up and away, leaving the fire, which, fed at a steady pace by the firefighters, held everyone’s attention.

Almost as quickly as they appeared the 250 or so people in attendance started to drift away. The show didn’t last that long, but from talking to residents over the past week it was much anticipated.

With the trees burned, the hot chocolate and the hot dogs just a pleasant memory, all that was left was for the firefighters to make sure the fire was out and the volunteers to clean up a bit. Another day, another job well done. As for next year, I would expect that there will be sufficient interest in making the Christmas tree bonfire an annual tradition once again. You can never get enough warmth and light in early January.