INNISFAIL - Dozens of Innisfail and area families came out to enjoy Christmas at the Village.
The event took place at the Innisfail and District Historical Village on Dec. 1.
"It's an annual event. It's been going on for years," said Anna Lenters, president of the Innisfail & District Historical Society.
Families enjoyed a variety of things to see and do during the two-hour event.
"We have Santa Claus at the railway station (visiting with children); two of the houses are decorated to show different families and different lifestyles.
"There's a menu there at each location, showing what they would have for Christmas dinner,” she added. “There's also Christmas decorations to reflect that era."
In addition, families took part in crafts, and enjoyed wagon rides and an outdoor firepit to keep warm.
"They are colouring and decorating gingerbread men," said Lenters, adding there were cupcakes, hotdogs and hot chocolate for sale as well.
The free event was also a fundraiser for the Innisfail and District Food Bank, something the village supports every year, noted Lenters.
"It’s important to support the local food bank,” she said.
Every year they present Christmas at the Village to help share Christmas cheer, show support for the community and families, and share some traditions of years past.
"The idea behind the Spruces (house) and the train station is to show two different families of two different backgrounds," explained Lenters. "One is a settling family and one is a family that is established. That's why the decor is different and why the menu is different."
Jennifer Anderson, along with her husband and family from Innisfail, were at the event for the first time.
"We love it here and we enjoy it," said Anderson. "It's nice for us to come and do something (at the village) when we have some extra time on the weekends."
