BOYLE – There will no Grinch-ing in the Village of Boyle this holiday season.
Despite a few setbacks in the last week due to new regulations mandated by the province to help to stop the spread of COVID-19, the residents of Boyle are making the best of a bad situation and adjusting appropriately.
Some of the Dec. 4 events scheduled to go along with the annual Moonlight Madness shopping extravaganza and Christmas celebration had to be cancelled, but the merchants of Boyle will still be open and offering great deals, and are prepared to meet customers with all coronavirus precautions firmly in place.
The executive board of the Boyle District Chamber of Commerce made the announcement Nov. 25, a day after Alberta premier Jason Kenney put the new regulations in place regarding gatherings. Businesses are still encouraged to post all about their sales and offers on the Boyle Community Views, Actions and Thoughts Facebook page.
The chamber will still be holding its ‘Shop Local’ draw for members, but the parade, tree lighting and lantern contest have all taken on a new form. Pictures with Santa unfortunately have been cancelled outright.
The Lantern Contest is still on, and will be extended to Valentine’s Day when the judging will take place, and the Christmas tree lighting will change as well, as it will be broadcast on Facebook Live to encourage residents not to gather.
On Nov. 28, the Boyle and District Agricultural Society announced it will be hosting a drive-by parade from 4-7 p.m. Residents are asked to drive or walk around town to see the holiday-themed displays many of the businesses have created. You can also vote for your favourite display on the Ag Society’s Facebook page.
A few dozen have already signed up, and those interested in being on the map can call Bev at Central Sales at 780-689-3613.
This is just the kind of thing Boyle is known for, says mayor Colin Derko.
‘“Boyle always bounces back,” he said, even before the drive-by parade had been announced Friday.
“Everybody has been really positive about it. Nobody complained to me anyway, they’re disappointed yes, but very understanding, and everybody seems to be willing to do whatever it takes, and with the new regulations coming in with no festivals and no events, the chamber was really quick to react and it’s too bad, but let’s do our part.”
He went on to say it’s great to see the businesses that were planning to take part adjusting to the new plan, so there shouldn’t be that much of an impact on the economic side, but the community spirit part of it might take a bit of a hit.
“The part that’s disappointing to miss out on is the fun, festive side, but as far as the businesses go, they’re making the best of it and going by the regulations, and we’ve all put up signs that masks are recommended,” said Derko.
“I feel bad for some of the younger generation because it’s all about the kids and stuff, so that’s really disappointing for me, but the adults behind the scenes are all really understanding. The chamber has been great.”
