Morinville is probably not the first place you’d look for a Christmas destination, but the thousands who attend the annual Lite Up the Nite Festival would disagree.
Their light-up Christmas figures and statues decorating St. Jean Baptiste Park showcase many holiday practices, and are unequalled in and around the area.
Celebrating its 22nd edition, Lite Up the Nite returns Nov. 22 to 25 with a Fill-a-Bus campaign, Santa’s Breakfast, craft fair, parade, carolling and a Santa Skate.
But instead of the much-anticipated fireworks display immediately following the parade, town organizers are hosting a 45-minute concert headlined by country singer-songwriter Krissy Feniak.
Fireworks were cancelled due to the firing platform being too close to residential areas, and certain burned fragments were falling onto private property.
“Regulations tell us how close to houses we can be and it’s better to keep it safe before it becomes an issue,” said Chantal Godberson, Town of Morinville cultural and events programmer.
"In its place we are doing a small outdoor concert before the parade and a longer one after the parade.”
Singer Riley Quinn, a graduate of Morinville Community High School, gets the party going on Saturday at 5 p.m. just prior to the parade start at Morinville Community Centre.
“Sturgeon Victim Services will walk the parade route and pick up new, unwrapped toys and teddy bears for Morinville RCMP, local peace officers and the fire hall that they will give out throughout the year to children. It makes it easier for children who go through traumatic experiences to have a comfort,” Godberson explained.
The North Pole’s most illustrious couple are the parade stars. After it winds down at St. Jean Baptiste Park and Mrs. Claus throws a light-up switch to illuminate the area, Feniak revs it with a 45-minute concert.
Barely 17, the Drayton Valley-based country artist won three awards at the North American Country Music Association Awards. Her latest single, Mess With Me, garnered Feniak five nominations for the 2018 Alberta Country Music Association.
“I’m really looking forward to this concert,” said the Grade 12 Frank Maddock High School student who is hoping to develop a stronger following in northern Alberta.
Feniak’s first entry into the world of music started with nine years of classical Royal Conservatory training.
“I always loved singing, but I got into country because I could write my own songs and I could express myself the way I wanted. I’m more of a conservative person. I like how I’m able to tell a story and I can connect with people on a deeper level,” she said.
Feniak’s set, with support from pickup musicians Josh Ruzycki (guitar), Dennis Boisvert (drums) and Sean Gristwood (bass), borrows from a varied catalogue of tunes. They span from Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town to Ring of Fire and These Boots Are Made For Walking.
The Fill-a-Bus campaign to stock Morinville’s Food Bank shelves is a one-day event starting on Friday at No Frills from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by Sobeys from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, families can start the day off with Lions Pancake Breakfast With Santa at the Rendez-Vous Centre from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is minimal at $5 person or $10 per family.
A Children and Youth Festival takes place at the cultural centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Young children can indulge their imagination with a balloon artist, glitter tattoos and roving character actors.
In the culture centre’s upper level at the M.Y. Loft, the town’s official youth centre, crafts, video games and a movie will be set up.
While children and youth get to relax and have fun, adults are welcome to shop for Christmas presents at the Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendor booths are set up in the Morinville Community High School gym.
“It’s their big annual fundraiser. It’s a big deal for the vendors and it’s a big deal for shoppers,” Godberson said.
The library hosts some good old-fashioned traditional carolling and a silent auction fundraiser throughout the day.
Pre-parade activities start at Morinville Community Cultural Centre at around 5 p.m. The parade travels along Main Street to St. Jean Baptiste Park and ends with an evening concert.
Sunday is low-key and winds down with a Skate with Santa at Ray McDonald Sports Centre from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. In addition, there is library reading from award-winning author Joan Marie Galat’s Dot to Dot in the Sky star series at 2 p.m.
“It’s amazing to see people come together. It never fails to surprise me how many people come out. Even when you expect a certain amount, more come out. And something really special this year is the outdoor concert. It’s different. It’s really cool and shows how our community continues to grow.”
