As we step into the holiday season we will trudge through snow, string decorations around town and set houses aglow with lights, all while celebrating with friends and family.
To help kick off the holiday season in Westlock, the third annual Festival of Christmas Wonder runs from Nov. 18 to 20, and will include a weekend full of activities to get people in the Christmas spirit.
“It’s the start of the Christmas season,” said Tina Wold, a director of the Chamber of Commerce which organizes the event. “It’s a really neat feeling that night out on the street. It’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful.”
To kick off the weekend, Friday evening is the downtown light up and the Santa Parade starting at 7 p.m. on Main Street, with fireworks to follow in the Towne Square.
“Last year, we had a terrific number of floats and a terrific fireworks. It just went on and on and on and on,” she said.
The fireworks will once again be set off by Frances Cloutier with the Pickardville Fire Department and Wold says the show will be even better than last year.
“People absolutely can’t wait to see the fireworks show,” she said, adding that some people look forward to this more than seeing Santa.
Last year’s parade had a total of 25 floats and Wold said she would like to see that number surpassed this year, with a goal of at least 30.
“We’d love to see as many as possible,” she said, adding that she hopes every business gets involved.
“People are realizing that this is going to be an event that is going to be held every year and I’m really hoping that it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger.”
This year, there is an added incentive for businesses putting together a float. The best float will be awarded $300 cash, with $200 for second place and $100 for third place.
The parade will start at the north end of Main Street and go to 104 Street. At the end of the parade, 600 candy bags prepared by people at the Smithfield Lodge will be handed to children along the parade route.
There are many other family-friendly events taking place throughout town Friday night, including cookie decorating, caroling and hayrides.
On Saturday, there will be the annual Gift of Trees from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westlock Legion and on Sunday, the Little Elfs Workshop and Dance will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Westlock Legion.
