A Sarnia-Lambton chorus believes the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear, while socially distancing.
The Christmas Ribbon initiative, a partnership between Nightingale Chorus and Bluewater Health Foundation, will feature carollers separated by eight-foot-long red ribbons performing songs of the season at various nursing homes, hospitals and neigbourhoods throughout the community.
Chorus Coordinator Carrie Beauchamp said the idea was created following the cancellation of the group's 25th Nightingale show.
"Instead of audiences coming to us in a nice warm theatre, we've had to think outside the box and find a safe way to come to them. So we've created a safe travelling, singing Christmas ribbon -- everyone will be wearing masks, face shields, each household family separated by an eight foot ribbon for social distancing, and performances will be held outside."
Beauchamp said Nightingale started as a small variety show for family and friends, adding, she never could've imagined that it would grow into a show that kicks off the Christmas season for many local residents.
"So when COVID hit and I knew [the show] wouldn't happen, it upset me. So we decided to come up with a plan to somehow continue this tradition," she said. "A plan where we will be able to spread a little Christmas cheer in the year where I know many will struggle, a home for my Nightingale family, and a plan that will offer an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause, the Music Therapy program at Bluewater Health."
Beauchamp said the initiative will be spread across five nights starting December 13, with each night featuring around 60 singers performing all the songs you know and love, in a Nightingale fashion.
She said the performances will be livestreamed and that the location of each community performance will be posted to the group's Facebook page at the very last minute, as a way to avoid any big gatherings -- the group will also be releasing footage of highlights from the last 24 years of Nightingale.
Viewers in residential locations will be encouraged to remain in their homes or on their porches to maintain a safe distance from performers. Should Lambton County go into “orange” status, the event will be cancelled.
‘The Christmas Ribbon’ has been vetted and approved by Lambton Public Health through consultation with their Workplace and Municipal COVID-19 Liaison Team.