Just 15 minutes north of St. Albert is a Christmas festival that brims with character, charm and a great country vibe.
Seasonal festivities are always a big deal in Morinville. As the town celebrates its centennial with a Light Up the Night Morinville Christmas Festival, there’s a mountain of excitement building.
Close to 200 volunteers and town staff have devoted their energies to this three-day event running Nov. 25 to 27 with activities ranging from concerts, magic shows and hockey games to a pancake breakfast, craft fair and a documentary film presentation.
But the festival’s anchor events happen Saturday: a 20-float parade down Main Street at 5 p.m., ending at St. Jean Baptiste Park where Santa throws a switch for the Light Up the Park ceremonies. The finale is a 20-minute fireworks display at Georges P. Vanier School at 6:30 p.m.
“It’s a festival that has something for everyone no matter the lifestyle or age,” said organizer Ruthann Weeks. “I’ve been impressed with the large number of volunteers and community spirit. Now that we have snow on the ground, it’s a good way to kick off the Christmas season.”
Launching the festival on Friday is the Fill-a-Bus campaign. The bus will be stopped at No Frills from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Sobeys from 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Last year 5,608 pounds of food were collected plus $1,670 in cash and gift cards that went to the Morinville Food Bank.
“I’d love to see us crest over 6,000 lbs. It’s definitely achievable,” said campaign organizer Melody Steele.
Although Alberta has a vibrant economy, there is still stress on some families and the food bank has seen an increased demand.
“In addition to Morinville, there are also families from Sturgeon County that need assistance and nobody gets turned away. I’m glad we have our own food bank established to speak to that need,” Steele said.
On Friday evening, Gord Bamford sets in motion the weekend’s entertainment as he debuts his Country Christmas Tour, a 15-stop tour across Alberta’s small towns.
Saturday features a full day of merrymaking. The Morinville Community Cultural Centre (MCCC) is kid central with a bouncy house, face painting and a free hot dog lunch. Edmonton magician Brian Lehr will be up to his old tricks while children’s entertainers Lee and Sandy Paley pull out their guitars for some strolling storytelling, song and dance.
Over at Morinville Community High School, the annual library craft fair has parked its tables with 60 vendors displaying authentic handcrafted wares.
The town’s love of hockey is tough to beat and the 100 Years of Hockey Game held at Ray McDonald Sports Centre at 8 p.m. promises to be a popular family event.
“There will be 100 years of combined hockey experience on each line. Several of the players are in their 70s. I don’t think it will be a quick game, but everyone is looking forward to it,” Weeks says.
Sunday is more low-key with a free family skate at Ray McDonald Sports Centre. Hot chocolate and goodies are on the plate.
Back at MCCC Weeks has programmed a more sophisticated ambience. Lisa Hewitt, a rising star on the country music scene, is singing a free one-hour set at 1:30 p.m.
“Lisa is well-known in the community as an entertainer and she is a nice fit with our country entertainment and she would bring people through the door.”
Perhaps the most poignant event will be a screening of the documentary If I Should Fall, a tribute to fallen Canadian soldiers. It also includes a segment on former Morinville resident, Master Cpl. Byron Greff, a soldier with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry recently killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan.
“He’s been added to the fallen. Although the event is free, we will be accepting donations for the Greff family.”
For a complete schedule visit www.morinville.ca
