There’s going to be a light show in the sky – and a whole lot more happening on the ground – on Saturday evening, thanks to St. Albert Catholic Parish and its Community Life ministry.
The fifth annual Chilly Chili Bang Bang is all about bringing its parishioners together in the spirit of community and celebration in faith.
“We try to have something about once a month where it’s just a big fellowship event for all of our parishioners to be welcomed and to be involved and enjoy being part of our faith community,” said Anne-Marie Switzer, the youth ministry co-ordinator.
“It’s for our faith community, you know, we just celebrate togetherness and it’s for that kind of fellowship aspect so we tell our parishioners like bring their friends.”
After the regular Saturday evening mass at 5 p.m. inside the church, everybody bundles back up and heads out for a few hours of festive frolicking that hits all the right notes of community winter celebration.
“After mass is over, that’s when the festivities and the fun begins.”
There’s comfort food a-plenty with horse-drawn sleigh rides, a family photo booth, and don’t forget the “Bang Bang” part of the evening.
“The ‘Bang Bang’ is our fireworks,” she said, noting that they’re scheduled to go off between 6:15 and 7 p.m. The Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures of -7 C with snow so it’s a good thing that there will be fire pits to make sure that hearts and hands keep warm. Marshmallows and roasting sticks will be at the ready, too.
Switzer listed off chili, mac and cheese, popcorn, sno-cones, and hot chocolate to keep bellies full and smiles big. Outside, families can take the scenic sleigh rides through the cemetery area and around the church grounds.
“It’s just a beautiful kind of property right to be touring around. It’s just a really fun time.”
Last year’s event saw 500 in attendance, the church’s biggest showing for the Chilly Chili Bang Bang. Switzer said weather does play a factor so she’s hoping for something not too cold but not too warm either.
It’s also a free event, though they do ask people to donate what they can to help with expenses.
“It’s a really great way to start off the year. At this time of year, Christmas is over … it’s cold. Some people can get into a little bit of the winter blues so this is just a great way to really pick you up and keep you going and set the tone for a great year.”
