Nostalgia for Upper Clements Park brings Nova Scotians to Christmas display
'You tap into your childhood and it's a really warming feeling,' says visitor
Trevor MacDonald's vintage Christmas display at his home in Windsor Junction, N.S., has become a local attraction because of the bright lights and extensive decor.
But feelings of nostalgia are also tied to the display items that were once rides at Upper Clements Park — a Nova Scotia theme park that closed in 2019.
MacDonald won bids for a number of park items available through the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, including an antique car, vintage airplane and sleigh. They are now on his lawn, adorned with Christmas lights and surrounded by inflatables.
"This is a whole family thing," he said. "The kids help me, my wife helps me. We love this. We love decorating for the holidays."
Crystal Saulnier came by to take a look.
"'I did see on Facebook that there's some rides and amusement pieces from the Upper Clements theme park," Saulnier said. "I used to go there as a kid so I came out to take a look.
"You tap into your childhood and it's a really warming feeling," said Saulnier.
Kathy Blinn, from Kingston, N.S., visited the area to look at the lights in the neighbourhood, but was particularly impressed by the display.
"We very much enjoyed seeing all the other houses and all their beautiful lights," Blinn said. "But this one, we came specifically because of all the items from Upper Clements Park where we used to take our kids when they were small."
MacDonald also invites visitors to make a donation to Make a Wish Canada.
"This is the first one we've seen with the donation box," said Blinn. "I think it's a wonderful idea."
MacDonald says that despite the bright lights and holiday music that accompanies it, his neighbours still enjoy his display.
"They're all very supportive of it. They love walking by.… There's neighborhood kids that come by and they check it out and see what all is new."
With files from Paul Légère
