The Dickens Village Festival had a successful weekend, bringing in many to the town from near and far.
Memorial Hall under its Dickens title of Fezziwig's Pub was a busy place. Friday morning it opened with greeters welcoming visitors to the town and giving out information. On display were gingerbread houses and a number of decorated Christmas trees which were auctioned off.
The Museum Committee provided a meal at Fezziwig's both days while the Happy Wanderers performed for the crowd.
On Friday, Nov. 30, Linda Coffey and Margaret Bell held a Children's Theatre school. The next day Barb Haddow and Dianne Twietmeyer were in charge of a children's "A Christmas Carol" performance.
Friday night saw Southern Country perform followed by a Kitchen Party headed by Michele Amy with a number of her fiddling students. The next day saw Pat Roth perform his Dr. Finnysteiin's Real Cool Christmas Show in the afternoon. Once the pub opened then The Olson's played, followed by Ken Hamm.
Saturday morning saw Santa have breakfast with the public. It was sponsored by the RCMP and only a food bank donation was asked for in order to enjoy the morning festivities.
In addition to all of this excitement Cornerstone Theatre held their production of "A Christmas Carol" on Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon.
Other fun-filled activities around the town included an art display at the library, public skating at the rink and tours of the museum where Scotty the T-Rex is currently housed.
Both days saw the United Church hold their annual High Tea. Given a period costume hat upon walking in people enjoyed coffee and tea. Smiles were seen all around and many were enjoying the time to visit with family and friends. Present at the Church was Sharon Elliott, an extremely talented harpist. Saturday, Dec. 1, also saw members of the Church put on a bake sale.
An English Market was held at the Happy Gang Centre where a number of vendors from the area attended. Partylite, Beauticontrol, feather paintings, moccasins, blankets, Steeped Tea, scrapbooking, Tocara Jewelry, Young Essential Oils, Pampered Chef, wooden beads and clothes, as well as a number of hand crafted items.
The Victorian Market held beside The Pearl/Sears included products by Scentsy, Sunset Gourmet, Avon, Tupperware, Aloette, Jockey, scrapbooking essentials, silver jewelery, and vinyl wall art.
Tiny Tim's Taster Tour was another great success with Cornerstone Shoes, Sew and Sew's, The Office Bar and Grill, The Flower Shoppe, Southern Plains Co-op, King's, The Pearl Boutique, Ron's Work Wear Store, Home Hardware, Food World, Pharmasave, Dairy Queen, Carlyle Library, Ramsey's Drugs, and Carlyle Bakery.
Herman Fornwald, sponsored by Merit Ford and Carlyle Motor Products, was consistently busy giving carriage rides both Friday and Saturday.
At 6 p.m. Main Street was lined with a great many people. From the older generations to the smallest of children, they stood in the cold awaiting the lighted parade to begin. Children whipped their toques off of their heads to gather candy in as the floats passed. Friday saw 14 floats entered and Saturday saw an extra horse and carriage pulling the Pharmasave wagon, making a total of 15 floats. A number of local businesses took part in the parade as well as the RCMP and Fire Department. The children were excited about the candy, but were especially ecstatic when the police cruisers and fire truck sounded their sirens as they travelled the parade route.
Saturday night saw a number of booms heard as the sky lit up. Fireworks were going off, but in a strange twist the sky was overcast with clouds. As the fireworks exploded in the sky, the usual patterns could not be seen, yet people were still in awe as they watched the haze above them turn colour.
A number of food vendors were set up outside along Main Street. Turkey legs, pizza, sausage on a stick, loaded potatoes, doughnuts, chili and a bun, and chowder were some of the delicious attractions found in town.
Finally, in addition to the crowds who travelled on their own to spend time in Carlyle, a great number of women with the Pink Scarf tour arrived in town by the busloads. Many said how wonderful it was to walk into such a great little town. As they were heckled by Scrooge and enjoyed local shopping they were pleased to have come to Carlyle to see the sights during Dickens.
