The sounds of the season echoed along the Niagara River on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 30, as carolers raised their voices in song at the Living Water Wayside Chapel.

They were leading the third annual Caroling Sing-A-Long, a free outdoor event hosted by the Niagara Falls Faith Fellowship Church.

It took place at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s renowned small chapel on Line 1 Road, nestled along the Niagara River Parkway.

Dianne Ticknor, performing artist and Niagara-on-the-Lake resident, led the vocals. She said she appreciates how carolling brings everyone together.

“It’s the people. They’re all excited to be here.
They all relate to each other. They’re all singing the same music,” said Ticknor. “I love that.”

Rick Meloen, a member of the fellowship church, says it was fellow church member Albrecht Seeger who proposed the idea of expanding the church’s long-running Easter sunrise services to add a Christmas event later in the year.

Throughout the afternoon, the carolers performed from a songbook of 26 holiday classics.

Tom Pekar, a town crier and professionally trained Santa Claus, also joined the festivities.

“As the town crier, my job is to spread cheer throughout the year and welcome people,” he said.

The best part of his job, he added, is highlighting those in the community who go unnoticed — like volunteers.

“I get to be the one to brag on them,” said Pekar.

You can catch Pekar as Santa at the much-anticipated Candlelight Stroll coming up on Dec. 6 at the historic Court House.