The celebration, organized by the Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce, featuring an assortment of events and activities, including the opportunity for local and area residents to do a little Christmas bargain hunting at Shaunavon businesses throughout the day.
Other highlights included wagon rides, road hockey, Santa appearances, Chamber Business Bingo, and the tree lighting which included performances by the Stayin’ Alive – Not Expired Choir and Shaunavon Public School Choir.
The evening festivities wrapped up with the Parade of Lights, as well as a bonfire gathering at the Sportgrounds that included musical entertainment and was followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
Huge crowds turned out for all of the events and the celebration got a special bonus when it started snowing in the afternoon, adding a nice Christmas feel to the activities.
“We felt the day was an incredible success from all angles and would love to thank Mother Nature for the bit of snow to make it feel even more like Christmas,” smiled Chamber of Commerce president Garret Thienes. “The turnout for the parade, from the number of participating floats to the number of spectators, was excellent. And we had a great turnout for the fireworks and campfires too, even though it was a bit chilly.”
The Parade of Lights seemed to enjoy the most benefit from the weather, as a light but steady snowfall fell throughout the event.
Among the entries were the Shaunavon RCMP (who led the procession), Access Reality, Western Financial Group, Robertson Implements, Rock Creek Golf Club, Kornfeld Electric, Excellerators Car Club, Shaunavon Fire Department, Pattison Ag, Fausers, Affinity Credit Union, Frosty Treat, L10 Electric, A&B Auto, CJSN Radio, Pioneer Co-op, Meeting Grounds, Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce, Standard Shaunavon.
As usual the Fire Department's entry stole the show, featuring lots of colour, humour and a large turnout of firefighters (and spouses). Following tradition, the parade ended with a float with Santa and Mrs. Claus on a sleigh being transported by Standard Shaunavon.
Thienes said the Boomtown Christmas celebration would not have been possible without the help of volunteers and the support of local businesses and residents.
“We really appreciate the support from all of the people who volunteered to help make the day a success, without them it wouldn't have happened, especially our hardworking chamber board who were pulled a hundred different directions and managed to balance their businesses and the day's events.” said Thienes.
This was the first year for Chamber Bingo and the event enjoyed a lot of success. Under the promotion, people received bingo cards from participating businesses while doing their shopping throughout the week. In fact, about 750 cards were handed out during the week. The cards, featuring the names of Chamber businesses instead of Bingo numbers, were then used to play a quick game of bingo. The winner of the event was Joan Brubaker, who won a basket of prizes worth over $800.
“Special thanks to Pioneer Co-op Home and Agro for their generous sponsorship of the fireworks, which were amazing to watch with friends around the campfire," said Thienes. "And thanks to Standard Shaunavon and A&B Auto for pulling the Christmas wagon and donating firewood for the campfires, Rock Solid Refuge for the hot chocolate at the fireworks, Pattison Ag for the use of their trailer for Santa's float and to Santa and Mrs. Claus for taking time out of their busy schedule to be a part of our celebration.”
“The Christmas spirit was truly alive and we could all feel it,” he added.
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