ASSINIBOIA — Christmas magic is in the air in Assiniboia thanks to those hosting holiday events and activities in the community for residents and visitors to experience.
A prelude to December events included the beautiful Lights of Love display that lit up in Centennial Park. The Rotary Club celebrated their milestone anniversary with a banquet and entertainment on the theme of Christmas magic. Additionally, two arts and crafts sales were held in early November for an early jump on unique shopping opportunities.
The Assiniboia and District Public Library is in the last weeks of their Christmas silent auction. Check out the library in person or their Facebook page for what is available to bid on.
The Fa-la-la shop local promotion is on now in Assiniboia, starting Nov. 22 and concluding Dec. 13. Shoppers will get an entry when patronizing local businesses for their opportunity to win the $3,000 in prizes being offered.
The Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses to enter the window decorating contest as it’s the perfect time to share some holiday cheer. Prizes are awarded to the top three winners and windows must be completed by Dec. 4 for judging, as well as offers a holiday season full of fun and festive flair in the business community.
December kicks off with 65th anniversary of the Rotary Carol Festival at Messiah Lutheran Church on Dec. 1 and will include a performance by Assiniboia’s Community Choir.
Adopt a Resident project, being spearheaded by Donna Rapp, is collecting donations until Dec. 15. This heartwarming initiative brings some extra Christmas joy to those in the long-term care centre. See this paper and social media for more details on how you can help.
The Rotary Club is also holding an escape room that began in mid-November and continues to Dec. 15. Santa’s Missing is the theme and participants are challenged to find Santa and save Christmas. The ticketed event is for ages 12 and up and can accommodate groups of 2-6 people. It is being held at the old vet clinic, next to Taylor’s Auto Repair.
You will want to be in downtown Assiniboia on Dec. 4, starting at 6:30 as the annual Santa Lights Parade will take place. For more details on this event, you can contact any member of Assiniboia’s Chamber of Commerce.
Starting Dec. 6, you can see the campsites all decorated up thanks to groups and organizations who got on board for this fun, festive event. Sites remain lit until Jan. 6 and offer another festive flair to Assiniboia.
Dec. 7 is a big day in Assiniboia. The Assiniboia Kinettes have booked Santa to come for breakfast from 9-11 a.m. This is just another activity put on by this service club intended for fun family times.
Also on Dec. 7, the 25th anniversary of Festival of Trees will once be held in the community. In addition to a gala event, the group continues to raise funds for the South Country Health Care Foundation and the Prince of Wales Cultural Centre.
The annual Twinkle Tour takes place Dec. 11 departing from the Southland Co-op Centre and is a free event compliments of the Town of Assiniboia. Guests can enjoy sleigh rides, visits with Santa, family board games, Christmas photo booth in addition to the Twinkle Tour itself.
Dec. 15, Shurniak Gallery will host their Christmas Open House in the afternoon. The event features Fresh Vibes Percussion Ensemble as well as two exhibitions. Hali Booth, Animals of the Serengeti National Park and Alex Emond, Under the Sask. Skies, will both be on display. The event will also include seasonal treats and refreshments as well as the opportunity to enjoy all other aspects the Shurniak Gallery offers year-round.
Dec. 17 the Early Childhood Coalition is hosting a children’s Christmas shopping spree where their super secret elf workshop is open for kids to pick out a special gift for mom and dad for only $2. This includes gift-wrapping
This is in addition to a full slate of games at the Southland Co-op Centre for all teams, of which you can find the complete schedules on the TOA website or at the arena itself. The Richardson Pioneer Southern Rebels Jr. team will host three home games in December on the 4, 8 and 18. The Senior Rebels will only have two home games, Dec. 7 and 21.
This story may not contain a complete rundown of all that there is and will be offered in Assiniboia, it is best to follow the Facebook pages of Town of Assiniboia, Town of Assiniboia Recreation and Wellness, Southland Co-op Centre and other community pages that will provide the latest news and updates on what is upcoming in the community.
Of course, none of these opportunities would be options if it weren’t for organizers who choose to spearhead these events and activities as well as the volunteers who help to run them.
Mentioned many times before, hosting events and activities that draw people from out of town provides an economic boost for the community as well as well as fostering a sense of community pride.
