INNISFAIL – Forget holiday season greeting cards by snail mail.
And also dismiss any notions of emailing any digital best Christmas wishes.
Innisfail town council is booming it out the old-fashioned way, and is readily accessible to all.
Following council’s last official public meeting of 2023 on Dec. 18 Innisfail’s elected officials and senior staff gathered with a first-ever group of school children from École John Wilson Elementary School and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School to offer Annual Christmas Greetings with an enthusiastic rendition of the holiday season favourite, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town.
To get this done Santa Claus was invited to join council for a first-ever appearance.
WATCH HERE:
And once again local musician Tom Lindl volunteered to take the lead for the recording of council’s holiday season message to the community.
“It's a third year we've done this,” said Town of Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay, who initiated the new-age holiday season greeting to the community. “Every year he (Lindl) is very gracious in coming in and leading us in song, but this year we added a bit of a twist and had some kids come and join us.
“Juanita Heidt, the town’s executive assistant, organized through staff members to have their kids come. I think the kids added a lot of fun to the song,” said the mayor, noting a recording of this year’s Annual Christmas Greetings from council will go on social media.
“We can’t send Christmas cards to every resident. Social media is a way to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year.”
Lindl confirmed the mayor was the “main instigator” in getting him to lead the holiday season song but quickly added he is happy to volunteer his services.
“It's all about the fun in the sharing of good cheer. It's not about the sheer musicality of it,” said Lindl with a chuckle. “After three years it’s now become a tradition. It was really neat having the kids there this year.
“We haven't had that in the past,” he added. “That added extra special Christmas energy to it.”
