Plans to make the annual High Prairie Light-Up celebration traditionally held the last Friday of November bigger and better continue.
“Our organization has worked very hard and made progress the last few weeks on several activities,” says High Prairie Community Beautification Association chair Chris Clegg.
Additions to this year’s Nov. 29 Light-Up include an art show at the High Prairie and District Museum, children’s and youth games at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre, and public skating at the Sports Palace which will include players from the High Prairie Regals and called Skate with the Regals.
“We decided to centralize all activities at the two arenas after the Santa Claus Parade,” says Clegg.
“And having events inside means we not have to deal with potentially bad weather.”
High Prairie town council is covering the rental cost of the arena rental under their community fund, which Beautification acknowledges and appreciates.
Alberta Health Services is partnering with Beautification to hold the children’s games.
“We see this as a potential activity which could grow into a mini winter carnival in future years,” says Clegg.
“More details on which games will be held will be released at a later date.
Public skating at the Sports Palace and Skate with the Regals is not limited to the Regals.
“We invite everyone to wear their team’s jersey whether they be from High Prairie, Peavine, Grouard, Gift Lake, etc. or their favourite NHL team,” says Clegg.
“Wear your community’s colours with pride!”
The art show at the museum features the students in Rhonda Lund’s class. Students will be creating winter-themed art. The show opens High Prairie Light-Up night from 5-8 p.m. The show remains at the museum all of December.
Other past events continue.
The High Prairie Native Friendship Centre hosted activities last year which were very well-received. They return to the celebration.
A family gingerbread house making contest highlights the events from 4-5 p.m. The first five families registering will take part.
Other activities include wreath making and colouring. Hot chocolate will be served to everyone and food will be available for purchase. Activities finish at 6 p.m.
The High Prairie Children’s Resource Centre will be the location of the annual Chili Cookoff. It goes from 5-8 p.m. Staff are making much more chili this year as last year’s supply quickly sold out. People attending are invited to sample each chili and vote for your favourite. The CRC also provides many activities for children to enjoy while adults enjoy the chili.
Earlier, the CRC holds their annual Little Elves Christmas Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Marigold Winter Farmer’s Market occurs from 4-9 p.m. at the High Prairie Legion Hall. Check out dozens of vendors and jump at a chance to do Christmas shopping early.
“We encourage people to shop not only at the market but anywhere else in town while we hold games at the GBRC,” says Clegg.
Of course, the main events are the Santa Claus Parade at 6:45 p.m. starting at the old water treatment plant. The parade ends at the Civic Square where the Christmas lights will be turned on for another season. Everyone can go visit Santa Claus at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre. Older children and youth can play games or go public skating.
Plans to hold an Ecumenical Christmas Service to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas are being finalized and will be announced later.
“We always welcome ideas,” says Clegg.
“Contact myself or any Beautification member and we can discuss it at our meetings.”