Approximately 120 people turned out for the Christmas tree bonfire in Morrisburg, and between the bonfire, the hot dogs and the hot chocolate, they weren’t disappointed. Seen above, the members of South Dundas Fire and Rescue added a few trees at a time to control the blaze, but each time a new source of fuel was added, the result was impressive. Tinkess Photo

SOUTH DUNDAS – It is always nice when you can take something that appears sad and turn it into something that brings a smile to people’s faces. That very simply describes the result of the Christmas tree bonfire, which is turning into a tradition in South Dundas.

Prior to January 2025, what had been the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations for many people was discarded, left to decompose with pieces of tinsel, stringed popcorn, and occasionally an overlooked ornament still attached. Some took them to the dump, others donated them as animal feed, but regardless of the secondary use chosen, it was a long and rapid fall from a place of honour.

Last year, however, a decision was made 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. This apparently had been done regularly years ago before dying off, but 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 emotional boost. Now in its second year after being resurrected, the tradition seems to be taking hold.

Nancy Waldroff of the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee says the event fits into the committee’s goal of promoting activities along the waterfront. “It’s fun, we get family out to enjoy something different along the waterfront in the wintertime,” said Waldroff. “I’d like to say thanks to our wonderful team. Our fire department in Morrisburg, I don’t know what we would do without all these guys, to the municipality, for doing the plowing and allowing this to take place, and the Morrisburg and District Lion’s Club, they are feeding us tonight, so thanks to them.”

Then, after a short count down and a boisterous Happy New Year by the 120 plus people in attendance, the first trees were set ablaze. The fire was kept under control by feeding the trees at a steady pace, but anyone who has ever seen a dry Christmas tree burn, you know it goes up very quickly. When you’ve got a pile of them, it certainly takes the chill off.

With the trees burning, and hot chocolate and hot dogs courtesy of the Morrisburg Lions, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in a month not usually associated with celebrations.

Almost as quickly as they had appeared, the crowd started to disperse with a full belly and the smell of an outdoor wood fire hanging in the air. Organizers were certainly taking note that not everyone was in favour of this event for environmental concerns, in the grand scheme of things that seem to be wrong in the world, this one small event which brought a community together on a winter’s afternoon didn’t seem too bad at all.