Now that the calendar has turned to November and the first snow of the season has fallen, it means Christmas is around the corner.
Officially kicking off the holiday season is the annual Westlock Christmas Light Up son Friday, Nov. 20.
The always popular event features shopping, a fireworks display and of course, the big man himself, Santa.
The night kicks off with the parade at 5:30 p.m., starting on 100 Ave. and 107 St. heading down 100 Ave. then east on 104 St. and ends after a turn north on 101 Ave.
“We wanted the parade downtown, but then we felt the route needed to be longer than last year,” said Westlock Christmas Light Up Committee secretary and treasurer Benita Pedersen.
Following the parade the festivities will move over to Memorial Hall.
“There’s going to be all kinds of exciting things going on including pictures with Santa Claus,” Pedersen said.
“The way we’ll do pictures this year is they will take a number and then as they’re waiting for their number to be called, there’s going to be all kinds of activities for kids.”
The Westlock Library will have some crafts and games, while the Rotary Interact Club will help kids pick out a gift for someone special through the Little Elf Workshop.
“It has to do with little kids that may want to purchase a gift for their siblings, mothers, fathers, grandparents, or even their pets,” Pedersen said.
“They pay a nominal fee — the Rotary Interact group sets the price — and then what happens it one of the Rotary elves will walk them through the Little Elf Workshop and they get to pick out a little gift for their special family member or friends and they can have that gift wrapped.
“It’s just a really special way for little kids to buy something for mommy or daddy.”
Various businesses will be open for shoppers and some will have light up specials.
“There’s going to be lots of shopping opportunities for people,” Pedersen said.
Hayrides will also take people around town to and from the various activities.
Capping off the night will be a fireworks display that Pedersen says will be amazing.
“This year’s show is going to be bigger and better than last year. It’s going to be fabulous,” she said. “I highly recommend that all the families come out to this.”
