The annual High Prairie Light-Up celebration traditionally held the last Friday of November may be bigger and better this year.
Plans to expand events in the two arenas is being proposed by the High Prairie Community Beautification Association. Plans received help from High Prairie town council at its Sept. 10 meeting when they unanimously agreed to cover the rent of both facilities under their community grants program.
Beautification chair Chris Clegg wrote council Sept. 6.
“The High Prairie Community Beautification Association envisions High Prairie Light-Up as something that could be bigger and better. Our association wants to grow the event,” he wrote.
Plans are preliminary but the groundwork has been laid after discussion with other people who may be involved in the event.
“Beautification believes there is considerable interest in providing more activities,” wrote Clegg, noting 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.
Tentatively, they include “Santa visits” in the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre auditorium, similar to last year, public skating in the Sports Palace due to the availability of the concession, and children’s and youth games and activities in the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre ice surface.
“The events in the twin arenas would commence after the Santa Claus Parade at 7 p.m. and continue to around 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” wrote Clegg.
Other events are being explored but will not be divulged at this time.
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 is already booked for the Legion Hall.
Clegg welcomes any input into the event.
Beautification next meets at the South Peace News office Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.