INNISFAIL – Tom Lindl never tires playing music for his community.
He’s been at it for close to a half century.
And for the last four years he has been enthusiastic about giving a bit more during the holiday season.
In fact, he has members of town council and children from the community offering their own special touches.
This year at town council’s Agenda & Priorities Meeting on Dec. 16 they all came together to sing a rousing Christmas carol.
“When it was first offered to me I jumped at the opportunity. I thought that would be fun, and it was,” said Lindl. “It was fun doing it with council. It's way more fun doing it with the kids.
“Kids really bring out the whole spirit of Christmas, and that unabashed enthusiasm they show to raise their voices and have a little bit of fun just makes it great.
“It puts me in the Christmas spirit a little bit, and it's become a bit of a tradition.”
As for the carol of choice for everyone to test their voices and enthusiasm? It was easy. Council chose the old classic We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
"I think most likely it's because everybody knows the lyrics. We don't really have to do a rehearsal of any kind," said Lindl. "It's quick and it shares the right sentiment. You can't mess it up. Nobody's nervous and everybody can just sort of have fun with it."
WATCH: Innisfail council and kids sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Video courtesy of Town of Innisfail
Mayor Jean Barclay noted that the first time the council tried an annual holiday season message four years ago it was just council themselves doing it.
But the fun and joy that makes Christmas extra special was somehow missing.
"We thought we should bring some kids in to liven it up a little bit and make it even more fun," said Barclay.
This year, added Barclay, Juanita Heidt, the town's executive assistant to the CAO, mayor and town council, found a group of children and the special show and taping was on for Dec. 16.
"And of course Tom, as always, comes and leads the way for all of us," said Barclay. "The kids are so excited. We had hot chocolate and cookies this year, and it was just a fun half hour."
