WESTLOCK – The Hamlet of Pickardville was abuzz with Christmas spirit Dec. 11 for its very first Light Up event that drew in dozens.
The community was invited out to enjoy a Christmas light tour, toy drive and even a chance to sit on Santa’s lap organized by the newly-elected community league.
“We just hoped that going around to see the Christmas lights and stuff would bring some Christmas cheer to Pickardville,” said league secretary Donnelle Schlachter.
The night of festive fun began and ended at the Pickardville Hall where maps were handed out with routes to see decorated houses in the hamlet. Community members walked the route and noted which houses they felt were the best dressed for the season — the Top 3 houses received a cash prize.
The route brought them back to the hall where they could enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and baked treats while the kids could have their picture taken on Santa’s lap by a volunteer student photographer.
County Towing set up a toy drive just outside where donations could be made to Stollery Children's Hospital.
Also, that night, the St. Benoit Catholic Church held a nativity scene that included a live donkey and a pair of goats just outside the church, livening the night with Christmas carols.
This is just the first step in the league's efforts to bring new life to the hamlet.
“We’re trying to bring more life and exciting things to Pickardville,” said Schlachter. “There’s a lot of families and kids in and around town and we want to have things planned. It’s hard with COVID-19, but we do want to see a lot more activities and things to do in the community.”
She says their intent is to create at least one event a month for holidays, suppers and other events such as bingo.
“We’ve been brainstorming ideas at meetings, and with COVID putting a damper on everything we thought it would be something that would be beneficial to our little community.”
With their first big event under their belt, the league plans to turn the light up event into an annual festive celebration.
“This came together pretty quick, but I think in the coming years it would be nice to be able to incorporate stuff like a market at the same time,” Schlachter concluded.
