The annual High Prairie Light-Up celebration traditionally held the last Friday of November (this year on Nov. 29) promises to be bigger and better this year with added events and activities.
“Our group is trying to expand High Prairie Light-Up to include more events,” says High Prairie Community Beautification Association chair Chris Clegg.
“We have talked to some people and are pleased with the help of our partners to offer more for the public to enjoy.”
Plans received a big boost from High Prairie town council at its Sept. 10 meeting when they unanimously agreed to cover the rent of both arenas under their community grants program.
“Beautification believes there is considerable interest in providing more activities,” wrote Clegg to council, noting previous response on Facebook.
“Therefore, we would like access to the Sports Palace and Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre Friday, Nov. 29 to provide those activities,” he added.
“Santa visits” are at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre auditorium, similar to last year. Public skating in the Sports Palace is due to the availability of the concession, and children’s and youth games and activities occur in the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre ice surface.
Public skating is being promoted as “Skate with the Regals” but everyone is encouraged to attend and wear their team sweaters.
Alberta Health Services is hosting games at the GBRC.
“The events in the twin arenas will commence after the Santa Claus Parade at 7 p.m. and continue to around 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” says Clegg.
“Beautification acknowledges and thanks town council for their contribution,” says Clegg.
Another event being held is the E.W. Pratt High School Art class and High Prairie and District Museum is holding an Art Show at the museum from 5-8 p.m. The display is at the museum all of December.
“Winter-themed art will highlight the display. Please come and see what the students come up with. They are very talented,” says Clegg.
Other organizations in town are hosting events as they have in years past. Beautification appreciates their efforts.
“These events and activities do not happen unless people “buy in” to what we envision Light-Up being, or could be,” says Clegg.
“Please support them and their efforts.”
The Santa Claus Parade begins at 6:45 p.m. sharp at the old water treatment plant. Entries are free and everyone is encouraged to be at the location at 6:30 p.m.
“We start the parade very close to 6:45 p.m.,” says Clegg. “In case of poor weather, we do not want people waiting downtown for the lights to come on any longer than necessary!”
A special treat will be a group of carolers at the downtown location by the old tourist booth, comprised of volunteers from local churches.
Members of the Buchanan Family will officially “flip the switch” to turn on the lights in the Civic Square. The Buchanan Family Foundation recently donated $50,000 to Beautification which ensures lights can be purchased for the display for the next 10 years.
“This is an incredible commitment the Buchanan Family has made to the community. Please attend to show your appreciation,” says Clegg.
Before the Santa Claus Parade, the chili cookoff will again be held at the High Prairie Children’s Centre and the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre is hosting activities (cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, etc.) similar to last year. The Marigold Christmas Market already booked for the Legion Hall (see ad on page 14 for full details).
“Please, also appreciate the excellent job Town of High Prairie public works staff do in putting up the lights for you to enjoy,” Clegg.
“Thanks to them for their dedication and hard work.”
All events are subject to change.
If there are last-minute changes, they will be posted on Beautification’s Facebook page and www.southpeacenews.com