The Village of Beiseker is preparing to spark some holiday cheer with its annual ‘Christmas in the Village’ parade on Dec. 3, as well as the yearly Deck the House Christmas light decorating contest in the weeks following.
In keeping with the Village’s efforts to generate Christmas cheer, the municipality will be hosting a local parade and celebration on Dec. 3, according to Gail Peckham, assistant chief administrative officer (CAO) with the Village of Beiseker.
“Stephanie Young, recreation programmer for the Village, has done a fabulous job of coordinating this fun-filled Christmas in the Village day,” she said.
There are several activities new to this year’s celebration. The day’s events begin at 9:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast on Main Street, followed by an all-day community block party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. including relay races, crafts, open-play street hockey, and a Santa Claus photo op at 232 6 Street.
In conjunction with the day’s events, there will be a Christmas market held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Beiseker Community Centre, and a fire hall open house (including a tour, and 50/50 raffle) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A hot dog lunch fundraiser event will take place at the fire hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thereafter, a street hockey game featuring Beiseker and Irricana's firefighting members will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street, with a deputy fire chief and mayor shoot-out included.
According to Peckham, the village’s Christmas event does wonders to bring the community together during the holiday season.
“It’s the place for families and friends to enjoy numerous free activities and do their Christmas shopping at our local businesses and at the Christmas market,” she said. “The parade has always been a big hit in the village and what’s more fun than a parade that brings Santa Claus to town?”
The Dec. 3 parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. and immediately following the event, a fireworks display will be lit up in the sky for attendees to marvel at.
Peckham encourages residents to join the Village for the parade kick-off and fireworks event and to close out the day with a family movie night showing of The Santa Claus at the Beiseker Community Centre at 6:30 p.m.
According to Peckham, the Christmastime Deck the House contest, which will take place mid-December, is a friendly community contest between the residents of the village and the local business owners.
“When it gets so dark so early, Christmas lights help lift our spirits and add sparkle to our village,” she said. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it just wouldn’t be Christmas without twinkling lights.”
Peckham added judging of the lights will take place on Dec. 18, when three winners will be chosen in each of the contest’s categories. The winners who place first, second and third will receive “Beiseker Bucks,” which can be redeemed at many participating businesses in the village.
“Thank you to the Beiseker Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this fun contest every year with their Beiseker Bucks,” Peckham said.
