The first-ever Christmas Kickoff is set to take place on Dec. 1 at Westview park from 5-8 p.m. (Submitted photo/City of Meadow Lake)

By Elliott Knopp

Christmas Kickoff

City of Meadow Lake hosting first-ever Christmas Kickoff

Nov 24, 2021 | 6:12 PM

The City of Meadow Lake is hosting a one-of-a-kind event designed to kickstart the Christmas spirit in the early stages of the holiday season.

On Dec. 1, the community is invited to come together at Westview Park for the Christmas Kickoff event featuring Santa and his elves.

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to engage in free skating, sleigh rides, crokicurl and other activities free of charge. Weather will play a factor in the availability of these activities.

There will also be free hot dogs, hot chocolate, apple cider and candy canes.

Parks and Recreation Manager Regan Beck said the event’s inception came from a walk in Lions Park where he envisioned a holiday gathering similar to those held in other communities.

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“I thought it would be kind of neat if we did the Christmas tree celebration like you see in New York, get that all fired up, do that every year and kind of make it an annual tradition,” he said.

Mayor Merlin Seymour will lead the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m.

The parks and recreation department received grant funding from Sask. Lotteries to cover the cost of the event, as well as assistance from community sponsors to tie it all together.

Community sponsor Mistik Management has been tasked with finding the community Christmas tree, Home Hardware is supplying the lift so the tree can be fully decorated and the Meadow Lake RCMP Youth Advisory Committee will handle the decorating and other festivities throughout the event.

Beck mentioned the involvement from the groups has been a crucial component of bringing the event together for everyone’s enjoyment.

“They were quick to jump on that, they like the idea and community spirit side of it,” he said.

“It’s a really nice community feel too. Lots of different groups are involved, and that’s always our goal here at parks and recreation, to try to get as many people involved in these things as possible. It makes for better events and it makes everybody feel more connected.”

The event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. Beck said he is looking forward to having the community come together ahead of the holidays.

“I hope people jump behind it and want to come out and experience it,” he said.

“Looks like the weather’s gonna be really good, it’s a great night for it and just come out with the Christmas Spirit and have a real enjoyable evening.”

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp