Hundreds of boaters flocked to the Port of Orillia Saturday to share some Christmas spirit at the annual Christmas in June event.
“The port is packed, and Christmas spirit can be seen all around the waterfront,” said Allan Lafontaine, Orillia's harbour master.
Throughout the day, boaters adorned their boats in Christmas decorations, all hoping to be selected as the “best decorated" boat during the judging contest.
Lights, inflatables, music, garland, and Christmas decorations of all kinds were on display — including a 40-foot-tall Santa that was floating on a boat.
There was an on-water band that performed and at night, the event turned into an on-water party.
The vendor market, a major part of the Christmas in June event, however, was cancelled by the city due to "unforeseen circumstances."
“The vendor market provides boaters the chance to get boat things like rope or supplies all in one spot and offers the public a chance to get an ice cream or to see things that they may take to cottages. Without this, it’s a giant loss in the community.” Lafontaine said.
According to Lafontaine, the Christmas in June event brings in thousands of dollars to the community and benefits local business and restaurants.
“These boats come and stay for usually multiple nights, which means money. Not just the boaters themselves, but families of the boaters also come up. We even have one boat and their family all the way from Michigan, so the economic boost is there," he explained.
While Christmas in June wrapped up on Saturday, the decorations are expected to remain for the entire weekend for those interested in checking out the boats moored at the port today.
