INNISFAIL - Never mind the recession. The people came. It didn't even matter the chill of early winter returned in earnest. The people still came – in big numbers that thrilled organizers.
“We've had a good 100 kids come through already today,” said Kathleen Easthope, youth and adult program coordinator at the Innisfail library. “And Santa Claus made a surprise visit earlier today.”
The library's cookie decorating event was one of eight venues created for the third annual Hometown Christmas, a three-way collaboration between the Town of Innisfail, the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce and the Evergreen Parent Link Centre.
The annual Innisfail Christmas Farmers' Market was also part of the festivities, and its continued popularity mirrored the bountiful pre-Christmas excitement that overflowed in all Hometown Christmas venues, as well as in stores and businesses all along Main Street.
“Look at the birdhouses. Aren't they beautiful? The variety of people we have here is amazing,” exclaimed market manager Chris Mountain, noting the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion venue of 50 vendors on Friday and Saturday showcased the very best of homemade treasures, including baked goods, clothes, crafts and toys.
“The festive season starts earlier and earlier every year. We always have it at the end of November and it's always been busy,” said Mountain.
Carla Gabert, manager of the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce and co-organizer of Hometown Christmas, said one reason for the success was the committed participation of the business community.
“It's a great day to be out and about in Innisfail,” said Gabert, noting the success of the three-way organizing partnership. “It works really well together. We all want to see a successful event. Together we are making the best event we can.”
And while the market and downtown businesses faced excited pre-Christmas shoppers, there were plenty of activities and treats elsewhere, especially for children.
There was arts and crafts at the Evergreen Parent Link Centre, treats and entertainment at the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre, barbecued hotdogs at Innisfail Chrysler, coffee and hot chocolate at Boots & Barrels, horse-drawn wagon rides, and station tours at the Innisfail Fire Hall.
“It's important we take part in these events and it's an open house here, somewhere the public should feel comfortable coming to and getting to know the faces and personalities, and to be familiar with them when they are around town,” said Gary Leith, Innisfail's new fire chief, who thrilled children by taking them inside fire trucks and performing a slide down a fireman's pole.
“Everybody is having a great time. My family is here too.”
But it was Santa Claus that made the biggest difference for Hometown Christmas. The kids were filled with wonder. Saint Nick went from venue to venue -- bringing festive holiday cheer, accepting Christmas gift request letters and posing for photographs.
“There was probably a good 30 or 40 kids here at that time,” said Easthope of Santa's visit to the library. “He just came randomly and passed out candy canes, sat on a chair and took pictures with them (children) if they wanted. That was awesome.”
Carla Gabert, manager of the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce
"It's a great day to be out and about in Innisfail. We all want to see a successful event."
