It isn't often you see Main Street in Barrhead packed full of adults and children after 7 p.m., but there they were. Laughing, singing, tobogganing, huddling around a fire, and riding horse-drawn sleighs.
This could only mean one thing: Christmas Light Up had finally arrived.
What a success the festival was, and a great kickoff to the holiday season. Snow covered the ground and fireworks filled the sky just before the parade began. The floats made their way down Main Street, and not one unhappy face could be seen.
Children scrambled to collect treats thrown from paraders, stuffing their pockets with candy canes and other goodies.
The final float came with a special guest: none other than Santa Claus himself.
The crowd lining the street did not disperse afterwards. Instead they took their time, moseying along the road and peering into shop windows. Some went to Scotiabank for free hot chocolate, while others began to browse stores for the grande Light Up sales and bargains.
Though shopping is fun for some, a tobboggan hill may be more appealing to others. Children whipped down the hill, situated behind Scotiabank, with glee all over their faces.
Many other children had the opportunity to have a visit with Santa up close and person. Picture This Alberta hosted the special guest, where excited kids could plop themselves on his lap and pose for a picture. The candy cane they were given afterwards was a bonus.
Today the importance of shopping local is magnified, and what a way to do it. A festival such as this is a perfect opportunity for the community to support their local businesses.
The thing is, shopping local doesn’t stop at just supporting shops in town; you’re supporting people you know. Perhaps this is more incentive to do youre holiday shopping close by, rather than making the trip into Edmonton.
Living in a tight-knit community like Barrhead, shopping local supports a friend, a family member, or the neighbour down the street.
Barrhead’s Tree of Hope has the same idea as they raise money for a new Gastroscope at the hospital. Though you may not personally have a need for such an instrument, eventually you could know someone who does.
This mindset should assist them in raising the $30,000 they need, through donations big and small. For each $10 donation the tree will grow brighter with new bulbs, shining with Barrhead’s generosity and Christmas giving spirit.
