The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop the Western Development Museum from going ahead with Light Up the Village 2020.
In fact, organizers increased the number of lighted displays and expanded hours from weekends to all week long.
It began Dec. 1 and will carry on to Jan. 9, 2021, with the gates open to the general public for driving tours from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night, except statutory holidays.
Admission is $10 per car (maximum of five guests from the same household or your “bubble”). New this year is a season pass for $30 allowing families to come and tour as many times as they like. The WDM can also accept debit or credit card at the admission gate this year.
“We’re extremely happy with the turn out this year, from sponsors as well as visitors,” says Shirley Maze, Light Up the Village co-ordinator. “Plans are already underway for next year.”
The WDM opened the village in the winter for the first time in 2017. The public seemed to enjoy it, so they decided to continue, says Maze.
“I believe driving through the village in the winter took people back to a simpler time and was nostalgic for many.”
In the second year, the WDM approached a few businesses to see if they would help decorate some of the buildings and they provided the lights and décor to do this.
“This helped a great deal to make it a bigger appeal to our visitors,” says Maze.
In 2019 the museum was able to add more lights and more businesses came forward voluntarily to help out. 2020 came along and they had high hopes of making it even bigger and better. When the pandemic hit, the WDM had to cancel public events, adjust hours and institute provincial safety guidelines at all its locations, but because it was an outdoor event, Light Up the Village remained a bright light to look forward to in the winter season.
Maze says, “In the spring when businesses had to close due to COVID-19 and so many public events were cancelled, this was one that we were very happy to be able to go forward with.”
With an appeal to the community, the show could not only go on, but it could be even bigger and better.
“This is the first time we asked for financial support and are extremely happy with the response from our sponsors. With this help we have been able to add many new displays,” say Maze.
Saskatchewan Health Regulations must be adhered to by everyone attending this event.
All net proceeds from Light Up the Village go to restoration and repairs needed in the Heritage Village.
