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| Santa Claus joins the parade. |
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| The City of Lacombe parade float. |
Plummeting temperatures and the first heavy snowfall of the year could not deter the hardy residents of Lacombe as they took in the first Light up the Night Winter Festival last Thursday.
The holiday kick-off event, which was incorporated the annual Moonlight Madness events and the LMC tree light up, was a great success.
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| The happy parade participants. |
"We were very excited by the turnout and the enthusiasm we saw in the crowds," said Community and Economic Development Manager Guy Lapointe. "The Tim Horton’s Santa Claus Parade was a delight to take part in, and we estimate that a thousand people lined up along the route to see it, despite the cold weather."
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| Santa (Chief Leslie) hams it up for the camera. |
The Canadian University College College (CUC) drumline helped
launched the parade at English Estates, and it slowly wound it's way to the
LMC. Mayor Steve Chrisite joined City staff and others in handing out candy to parade watches. Chief Gary Leslie donned the big red suit and the white beard to spread joy to all.
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| The CUC Choir serenades the crowds. |
The CUC Choir serenaded the crowds at tree lighting at the LMC with beautiful Christmas carols. Hundreds of people filled Lest We Forget Park, far exceeding previous year’s attendance. Mayor Christie gave a rousing speech to those attending, and everyone joined him in counting down to the moment of the tree light up.
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| Mayor Christie caroling with the crowds. |
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| Countdown to the LMC tree light-up. |
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| Mayor Christie lights up the night! |
The community light-up decorating contest winners were announced – Twice As
Nice in the commercial category, with Sims & Associates Insurance as a close runner-up; and Jeff Armishaw on the residential side,
with Brenda Manz taking second place.
The glittering lights, the heavy snowflakes spiraling lazily down to the ground, the sounds of caroling and the laughter of children, and the camaraderie and goodwill among those gathered made for a truly magical community moment.
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| Children frolicking in the snow. |
Meanwhile, the halls in the LMC were packed tight with early Christmas shoppers
looking for original and unique gift ideas, and some of the Christmas
farmer’s market vendors sold out of their stock before the evening was
done.
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| The Christmas Farmer's Market in the LMC Centennial Hall. |
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| The Christmas Farmer's Market in full swing. |
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| Councillor Bouwsema in a festive mood. |
The outdoor Christmas Movie Night brought out some brave souls, who also warmed themselves by checking out the amazing fire performers, and even more Lacombians braved the chilly weather to make crafts at the Michener House Museum. Others warmed themselves by the fiery forge in the Blacksmith Shop Museum as they watched red-hot metal being shaped into interesting things.
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| Checking out the Christmas baking at the Michener House Museum |
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| Crafty ladies at the Michener House Musem |
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| Checking out the blacksmith demonstration. |
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| Going at it hammer and tongs. |
After the event, the City was flooded with compliments from residents who enjoyed the multi-faceted event, with comments ranging from “it was magical” to “it was just plain fun”.
And many people are already looking forward to it next year. So mark your calendars folks, and stay tuned for more information!
For more photos of the winter festival, go to the City of Lacombe's
Facebook Page.
These photos are awesome! Love the snow in them as well. Looking forward to next year!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the Christmas spirit extra early this year - due in large part to the Light Up the Night Winter Festival featuring Moonlight Madness and the Tim Horton's Santa Claus parade.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to have been in the Tim Horton's Santa Claus parade last night and I'd like to share what I saw:
Citizens coming together for the good of our people and community; a horse drawn carriage carrying Santa Claus, drums, a firetruck, and traditional Christmas carols; the A & W Rootbear, Sunny and Fatcat; swirls of snow, the twinkle of lights, and the laughter and waves of at least 1,000 people who braved the chill to cheer on Santa; as well as dozens of volunteers contributing time, talent and effort to provide a terrific event!
The best part for me was riding on the back of DB Bobcat's festively decorated, musical float (Elvis was singing Christmas carols). My greatest joy was watching others. People - young and old, moms and dads - danced with kids and bounced babies in time to the music. They sang along. The waved and cheered. And enormous smiles! There were many elderly who waved wildly from their living room windows as the parade drove by. I felt their appreciation and the holiday spirit. It was very nostalgic.
You see, I remember walking down main street in my own home town as a child. I was given a small amount of money to spend on presents. The streets and the stores were decorated and lit. Music was piped into the street (Anne Murray's Silver Bells was playnig) and I remember walking from store to store with my family. It was a warm fuzzy feeling. I remember big flakes of snow falling out of the dark. I remember feeling safe, and content, and like everything was perfect in the world. I remember loving where I lived.
That's what I experienced again last night.
Lacombe is filled with wonderful and dedicated community people! Special thanks to Guy Lapointe, City Economic and Community Development Officer (and to the City's Community Services department) for the tireless efforts and terrific ideas! Thanks to those local businesses who sponsored the Movie Night (my nine year old and I bonded on bales of hay while watching 'Shrek the Halls' and eating popcorn and hot chocolate courtesy of Twice as Nice Antiques). Thank you to our local businesses for participating with so many terrific shopping deals and holiday decor!
Lastly, thank you to all those who walked around, window shopped, sang along with the carols, and spent their money in our fine city. I believe the Light Up the Night Winter Festival has the potential to become a huge draw for Lacombe and I would love to see our local shops and stores really benefit from the additional street traffic. Lacombe is such a wonderful place to build a life.
Happy Holidays!
Kim Berube