PENHOLD – Hundreds of Penhold and area families took in the Christmas spirit and festivities during Penhold’s Community Christmas.
The annual event, presented by the town, the Penhold Museum Society and the Penhold and District Library, took place at the Penhold Regional Multiplex on Nov. 23.
“The snow will definitely add to the sleigh rides and make it quite enjoyable,” said Penhold mayor Mike Yargeau, of the wintery weather that Friday. “It looks like a winter wonderland outside.”
In addition to the sleigh rides, families also enjoyed a multitude of activities indoors including live Christmas music, a Christmas tree lighting, Christmas Market, a cookie walk, cookie decorating, photos with Santa, little shoppers, face painting, free skating, a silent auction, marshmallow roasting, popcorn and hot chocolate.
“It’s the start of the Christmas season for us and it’s a great thing for families and everyone to come out and enjoy,” said Yargeau, noting the dozens of volunteers and community groups that help to make the event a success.
Whitney Milgate, her family and in-laws were out enjoying the Penhold Community Christmas event for the first time.
“We came for the cookie walk which was really fun,” said Milgate.
Every year, the event is well attended by hundreds of local and area families, said Melanie Willerth, events and communications coordinator with the Town of Penhold.
“Last year we had about 500 people in attendance and we’re expecting close to the same this year,” said Willerth. “We’ve got something for everybody tonight.”
The event also collected donations for several local charities.
“We’re accepting donations of toys (for the Red Deer Christmas Bureau), food (for the Red Deer Food Bank) and money for our FCSS assistance fund in Penhold,” she said.
Willerth noted the community support for the event year after year.
“We get amazing community support. We also have volunteers from different organizations helping tonight,” she said. “The Penhold Church of Hope helps with our little shoppers, the mayor and council are here, the Penhold Air Cadets and the Penhold Youth Club are helping.
“It’s a fun event for the whole family,” Willerth concluded.
