INNISFAIL - The Innisfail and District Historical Village kicked off the Christmas season by welcoming visitors to its annual Christmas event. Christmas Around the World took place Dec. 2 at the village and was a fundraiser for both the Innisfail and District Food Bank and the historical village.
"We've done Christmas at the village for many, many years, but this is the first Christmas Around the World that we've done," said Jane Duncalfe, special events programmer. "The Danish Canadian Museum has brought a display and they're serving some Danish food, and the Phil-Can Neighbourhood Association has donated spring rolls for the event. We also have various, little write-ups about what Christmas is like in different countries," she added.
The event detailed different traditions, how Christmas is celebrated around the world and how it was celebrated here in Alberta centuries ago, noted Duncalfe.
Families and visitors also enjoyed Christmas music, food, sleigh rides, crafts, photos with Santa, an outdoor firepit, and a Victorian Christmas display at the village.
"The parlour in the train station is decorated as a traditional Victorian Christmas (setting)," she said, noting the turnout. "We've had a great crowd so far."
Duncalfe said they wanted to do something a bit different this year to attract more visitors and include the many cultures that live in and around Innisfail.
"There are so many cultures that have lived here for so many years," she said. "They're all a big part of our community."
Karen Jarvis and her grandson Gage were out enjoying the festivities on Dec. 2.
"We come here a lot in the summer. Gage loves it here," said Jarvis. "It's great to have the Christmas activities too."
Mayor Jim Romaine was also on hand to take in the festivities.
"It's great. The community is always pleased to have these kinds of events going on,” said Romaine. “It gets people into the holiday spirit."
The annual Christmas event at the village, said Duncalfe, is always a great way for families to celebrate the season.
"It's always been a wonderful event for us. It highlights the village, it brings people and families out and Christmas is always special,” said Duncalfe. “It's even more so when we do it this way."
Jane Duncalfe, special events programmer
"There are so many cultures that have lived here for so many years. They're all a big part of our community."
