Coaldale’s Winter Fest returns for its third consecutive year with festivities officially kicking off Nov. 27.
The 26th Annual Country Christmas Night of Lights is a long-standing community tradition that welcomes families downtown for an evening of holiday cheer, highlighted by the Night of Lights Parade.
Featuring floats adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, the parade will bring a festive glow to Main Street and mark the beginning of nearly four weeks of seasonal celebrations.
Mayor Jack Van Rijn said Winter Fest has become a wonderful holiday tradition in Coaldale. “Bringing families, friends, and neighbours together to celebrate the season.”
“Residents and visitors have told me many times coming to Coaldale during Winter Fest feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. That’s a wonderful compliment to everyone who helps make this time of year so special in our community. We’re grateful to the local businesses, community groups, and volunteers who help make it happen,” Van Rijn added.
Another highlight of this year’s festival will be the Town’s annual glow-in-the-dark skating event, which takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Civic Plaza.
The family-friendly event brings music, colourful lights, and outdoor skating together for a festive evening in the heart of downtown Coaldale.
Coaldale’s Civic Plaza Winter Series will once again see local businesses and community groups host holiday-themed gatherings throughout December and into January.
According to Community Experience Manager Clayton Varjassy, Winter Fest is about giving people a reason to come downtown, spend time together, and enjoy everything the community has to offer during the holiday season.
“Our local businesses, community groups, and volunteers help make that possible. We look forward to working with them again this year to bring Civic Plaza to life and create opportunities for people of all ages to celebrate,” Varjassy noted.
Varjassy added Winter Fest activities showcase the Civic Plaza area and the outdoor ice rink, “which is relatively new to the community.”
The Coaldale Public Library is also adjacent to the Civic Plaza outdoor area, which offers a skate rental program.
“People can rent skates to use at the Civic Plaza,” Varjassy explained. “They’re just introducing a roller skate program for the spring and summer season.”
Winter Fest, Varjassy noted, is also a great way for people not familiar with Coaldale to come check out what makes the community so special.
Community groups, organizations, and local businesses interested in hosting a Civic Plaza Winter Series event are invited to complete the Civic Plaza Host Application form online at coaldalewinterfest.ca/host-application.
Information about entering a float in the Night of Lights Parade, contributing a light display, volunteering, or supporting the festival is also available online.
To learn more about Night of Lights and Coaldale Winter Fest, visit coaldalewinterfest.ca.
