INNISFAIL – The official start to the town’s 2024 holiday season is now part of history.
On Nov. 15 hundreds of Innisfailians excitedly came downtown on a gorgeous mid-fall evening to take in the lights, music and community festival atmosphere for what has quickly become one of the town’s most cherished events.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., and continuing for two hours, Countdown to Christmas marked the beginning of the holiday season in Innisfail.
For the third year in a row the event was combination of the tree lighting ceremony next to the cenotaph with the festive atmosphere of Countdown to Christmas, the latter which began as a standalone event in 2021; a pandemic year that saw locals attending but restricted to their cars.
As for the tree lighting, which began in 2019, it was also held in 2021 but separately and with its own pandemic restrictions.
However, no restrictions have been necessary since 2022, and Countdown to Christmas is now and forever more one event that is culminated with the lighting of the massive 65-foot-high tree, a moment that thrills scores and scores of the young and old.
This year the event began with 49 Avenue blocked to traffic.
Crowds grew quickly, with many huddled around fire pits that were donated by Discovery Wildlife Park.
Dancers from Innisfail’s Joy’s School of Dance gave a stunning display of artistry on 49 Avenue as attendees sipped hot chocolate and munched on cookies.
Following the dance performance the Innisfail High School Band played holiday season favourites under the massive Christmas tree that would soon be lit up.
And then at about 6:15 p.m. Town of Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay announced that the countdown to begin the holiday season with the tree lighting was imminent.
Santa Claus was nearby handing out candies to excited children.
Barclay first thanked Santa and Town of Innisfail staff for organizing the event, and decorating the soon-to-be-lit tree.
“Let’s celebrate the magic of the season with kindness and generosity. Let’s not forget those who may be struggling and find a way to lift their spirits,” Barclay told the crowd. “We have so much to be grateful for and I know our community, as always, will demonstrate a willingness to do whatever it takes to help each other.
“That is what makes Innisfail so great.”
And then the mayor invited everyone to gather around the tree. The countdown began.
The tree was lit. There were gasps of awe, and many stretched necks as all eyes looked up at the dazzling star at the top of the tree.
And then for a brief moment there was silence.
The holiday season in Innisfail had begun.
