With a fresh coat of snow and the spirit of Christmas in the air, Westlock’s Christmas Light-Up is underway all week, with the parade set for 6:15 p.m. Nov. 23 running south along Main Street, 100th Avenue.
However, the parade is only one of a plethora of activities for kids of all ages.
“There’s so much to do this week and there’s so many ways to get into the Christmas spirit,” said event co-ordinator Benita Pedersen. “It’s going to be magical. It’s a great way to visit with friends and engage in your community."
It began Nov. 18, with the classic Christmas Craft sale at the Westlock and District Community Hall and the Skate with Santa at the Rotary Spirit Centre and continues Nov. 20 with a day-long swap-and-shop at the Spirit Centre, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening owls can check out the Westlock Legion from 7 to 9 p.m. for a night of free pool.
Those who miss the swap and shop will be happy to know it is continuing into Nov. 21 as well. The Westlock Library will host a puppet show at 10:30 a.m. and Westlock Gospel Chapel will be showing Saving Christmas for its family movie night at 6:30 p.m.
On. Nov. 22 little kids can hone their artistic abilities with the Light Up Lego Challenge at the library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the Westlock Senior’s Golden Age Drop-in-Centre will offer lessons on floor curling at 1 p.m. and a crib tournament at 7:30 p.m.
However, Nov. 23 the big day and kicks off with a story and song at the library at 10:30 a.m. and a showing of The Santa Clause at 1 p.m. The Golden Age Drop-in-Centre will host “Light up a Life” at 1 p.m., offering a lesson on how to operate a defibrillator for those who want to give the gift of a life.
As the evening settles in, people can get ready for the parade with a free pulled pork supper from 5 to 8 p.m., and free mochas from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“One of the highlights of the parade this year is we’re going to have a monster truck,” said Pedersen. “We’ll take entries right up to the last minute, but our preference is if people pre-register.”
She added anyone who wanted to get involved in the parade should call or text her at 780-349-0181.
After the parade Memorial Hall will host a family dance where kids will be able to get their photo with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, construct arts and crafts and decorate cookies.
One of the most popular parts of Light Up is the Little Elf Workshop, which will be back in full swing. Organized by the Westlock Rotary Interact Club, the workshop enables children to get a head start on the spirit of giving.
“Kids walk through the little elf workshop and buy gifts for their loved ones, be that parents, grandparents, siblings or pets, and they’ll pay $2 a gift,” said Pedersen.
“So the kids get a chance to get in on the spirit of giving and they get a chance to surprise a family member.”
Outside Memorial Hall the streets will be alive with the holiday spirit.
Hay rides will be offered between Memorial Hall and Muller Realty. Passengers can board at either location and will enjoy Christmas carols performed by West of the 4th. Junior high and senior high students will test their skills in the annual ball hockey tournament, held in the parking lot in-between Home Hardware and the town fire hall.
Further east, Westlock Ford will be hosting a mini-carnival for the kids, including crafts, games, treats and hot chocolate to beat the winter chill. Those over 18 are invited for an evening of karaoke in the Westlock Hotel, running from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. with no cover charge.
Things slow down a bit on Saturday, but residents can enjoy a free family swim at the pool from 1 to 5 p.m. This year’s festivities wrap up at the Legion, first with a roast beef supper at 5 p.m. followed by a Mexican-themed karaoke at 8 p.m.
See Page 27 of this week’s Westlock News for the full-page Light-Up schedule of events or visit the group’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/312069179625344/
