ATHABASCA – Athabasca’s yearly Christmas-time celebrations kicked into gear last weekend with the Nov. 23 ‘Tis the Season to Gather event at the riverfront, following on the footsteps of the Nov. 8 and 9 Christmas market at the Athabasca Multiplex.
Hosted by Carol Alberts and the Home Hardware team, Athabascans had the chance to take pictures with Santa, enjoy a sleigh ride through the scenic — and snowy — locale, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a goodie bag for the kids.
“I enjoy everyone getting together and talking, or sharing a sleigh ride,” said Athabasca councillor Ida Edwards, who stopped by the pop-up pavilion on her way to work.
“I just love the community when it feels like a community. It’s important. What do we do after work? We go out and enjoy being in the community.”
Alberts and her team put together the riverfront event for the third straight year, although this year was considerably chillier than the 2023 rendition. She said the overarching themes are the same each year, but they try to mix the event up a little every time.
“One thing we know for sure is it’s always going to be the sleigh rides, the hot chocolate, and then something for the kids,” said Alberts. “That’s the thing that works to bring young and old together. The horses, the sleigh ride, it’s a nostalgic experience for some of our older people.
“I can tell you, there’s been people I’ve seen here that I haven’t even seen in town for years.”
The final ‘Tis the Season event is, of course, Moonlight Madness, which takes place Nov. 29. The parade will start at 7 p.m., and businesses in the downtown core will stay open later than usual to encourage people to do some of their Christmas shopping at home, instead of turning to Amazon.
This year, Athabasca’s home-based businesses have partnered up with brick-and-mortar stores to take part in the festivities. Irresistible Delights will be at Piquette Cooperators Insurance, Minhgo’s Way will have some of their favourite dishes frozen at Logo Me This and the Athabasca Pottery Club has set up some extra Christmas themed art for sale at the Advocate office on 49th Street.
If you’re in the market for candles, soaps, and other body products, The Rustic Farm House is at River Valley Insurance, Deep Creek Botanicals will be at Lisa’s Pipe Dreams, and Full O Bubbly, Spruce and Ivory, and Nana Mel’s Skin Care will all be at Local Wellness.
Finally, Kernal Kraze, Kitties & Pickles, Write On, and Savage Daughter Arts & Oddities will be at Compass Chiropractic, and Lucky Mutt Dog Treats will be at Riverside Eye Care.
After everyone is shopped out, the Chamber’s yearly fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
