ASSINIBOIA — Assiniboia will have a tremendously full calendar upcoming in December. Yule be able to take part in a variety of events and activities in the holiday theme so residents and visitors have plenty of opportunity to branch out and enjoy all the festivities offered.
Assiniboia’s Recreation & Community Wellness Manager, Stephanie VanDeSype, says her goal when she stepped into her role in Assiniboia was to start new initiatives and programming that would engage the community.
“Christmas can be a time of joy and celebration, but can also be a time of sorrow for those who are grieving loved ones who have passed. Through our multiple Christmas and seasonal programs, we hope to engage every member of our Community, and bring joy, peace and love,” says VanDeSype
Lights of Love lugged in for the fifth straight year on Nov. 15. Donations are collected from the community in memory of loved ones with all money used to purchase lights to decorate Centennial Park.
VanDeSype says multiple volunteers help work on this event and they are proud of how it has evolved and become.
“The lighting ceremony is a place for the community to gather, share a hug and a visit over warm cup of hot chocolate, and watch the park shine in memory of their loved ones. We leave these lights on until February. We hope everyone who drives by the park, or goes for a stroll, takes a moment to take it all in, and feel a sense of peace and comfort.”
The first year of Twinkle Lane is underway which involves decorating campsites in the Assiniboia Campground located next to the swimming pool. It provides another opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy during the Christmas season. Campsites were sold for $50 and each user group looks after decorating it, with the lights display on from Dec. 11 to Jan. 6.
Another annual tradition Assiniboia offers is the Twinkle Tour, now entering its 5th year. Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and yards and enter in the tour for everyone to enjoy.
“This evening includes horse & sleigh rides, warm drinks, bake sale, visit with Santa, bus tours to look at the lights, self tours, and a vote for people’s choice favourite homes! This is again another reason to gather as a community, and enjoy a free event to help boost the Christmas Spirit. This event involves volunteers that drive the bus, the people mover, and help out with the bake sale,” says Assiniboia’s Rec. Director.
The Early Childhood Coalition and Town of Assiniboia partner on the children’s Christmas shopping event. The community is asked for donations of new or gently used items ranging from $10-15, for children to purchase.
VanDeSype says, “This is our second year, we had an overwhelming response in year one. We take all of these donations and display them in the Southland Co-op Centre Multi Purpose room on Dec. 20. Children come shopping for their parents and caregivers, with each gift costing only $2. We are looking for helpers to wrap the gifts to send home with the children, we had an influx of volunteers last year and we hope to have the same again.”
Assiniboia will also host Christmas activities in the Southland Co-op Centre on the walking track in December with details still be announced.
There will also be a scavenger hunt over Christmas break for all ages to enjoy. Participants will have a week to complete the package and drop in for their chance to win a prize.
While not under the direction of VanDeSype, the tradition of Festival of Trees will continue in Assiniboia upcoming. Watch for story and photos on that event. There is also a parade of lights upcoming in Assiniboia on Dec. 6, having been a hit in previous years.
Planned season activities are in addition to the other community attractions like the Shurniak Gallery, now featuring an art show by former resident, Kathy Bradshaw. The Prince of Wales Centre theatre and Southland Co-op Centre are continual options for a night out as well.
In addition to this seasonal activity being a bonus to residents offering activity right in town, it is also a great drawing card for visitors. It is a known fact that when extra traffic comes to town it offers an additional economic boost as often people make a day of it and take in the shopping opportunities, eateries, fueling up and other amenities offered in Assiniboia. Each event hosted also supports local businesses for their purchases.
In Assiniboia, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. There is a wide variety of events and activities for Christmas lovers to be part of, ensuring everyone has a holly, jolly Christmas this year.
