To the Editor,
The community “A Vankleek Hill Christmas” float was a coming together of fourteen local organizations shown at the 2025 Champlain Christmas parade, literally under ONE banner, to celebrate Christmas and to recognize and honor the community service, collaboration, and a cherished way of life of volunteering and selfless work by countless volunteers. A wonderful sign of unity, giving and cooperation.
Two large banners read ‘A Vankleek Hill Christmas” // “Un Noël à Vankleek Hill” on the float representing the following charities or non-for-profit organizations: Accord Choir, Arks Harvest, Creating Centre, Excellent Events, Knox Presbyterian Church, High & Main Productions, Vankleek Hill & District Lion’s Club, Saint-Grégoire de Nazianze Church, St. John’s Anglican Church, Vankleek Hill Baptist Church, Vankleek Hill & District Historical Society, Vankleek Hill & District Horticultural Society and the Vankleek Hill & District Nature Society. The Review also participated, kindly giving permission to use their proprietary www.vankleekhill.ca domain and logo.
Whether you are a Vankleek Hill and area resident, a guest, a visitor, a tourist, or just travelling through, you most likely have experienced the warmth and hospitality of so many volunteers who work very hard to provide and promote: education on horticulture and conservation; a food-sharing program; entertainment and music; the history of Vankleek Hill and District; places of worship and fellowship; and local arts and culture. Additionally, several of these organizations draw consumers who provide an economic benefit to the area, supporting small businesses.
A most heartfelt thank you to all the organizations who decided to participate in the annual float and for donations provided by organizations and private donors to procure the two banners and decorations. Thank you to Joanne van Dremuel (the artist for the banners), Joël Viau (Timbercrafts) for providing the flatbed and truck for the float, our driver Mario Boutin, Claire and Jean-Louis Diamond for their logistical assistance, Hans Bauer for his electrical expertise and Brian MacDuff for his agricultural produce. A team effort for sure.
We are simply blessed with a rich community life in VKH. Looking forward to the 2026 edition!
Ida Everest
Vankleek Hill
