OLDS - Like a line from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a COVID-era phenomenon this holiday season has people rushing to their windows to see what’s the matter when they hear a clatter out on the street.
More so than any clanging, what’s usually rousing them is Christmas music loud enough to be heard indoors coming from a decorated vehicle doing an impromptu drive-by.
People in Olds in recent weeks have been treated a late afternoon and early evening drive-by featuring a number of decorated vehicles, Christmas music, and cheerful waves from participants. A similar event happened in Didsbury participation from Town of Didsbury staff and the fire department.
More and more people are taking to the streets to spread cheer this holiday season, similar to events like the drive-by Canada Day, grad, and classic car parades held earlier in the pandemic
Olds resident Clint Jackson and Walter Moebis have been spreading cheer in area towns for weeks now.
Close to every night since taking part in the Santa’s Merry Motorcade drive-by on Nov. 21, Jackson and Moebis have taken The Caroling Christmas Truck on tour.
Jaskon’s Treadpro truck is outfitted with his signature airbrushing, lights, and increasing elaborate displays in the box and on the roof of the truck. It’s a familiar sight in Olds and the pair have expanded their tours to nearby towns including Didsbury and Bowden.
“We try to go in at about 10 kilometres an hour with music playing really loud. And then we get to the end and turnaround and come back down the street really slow and it gives everybody a chance to put their boots and tuques on and they come outside. And they’re all dancing – all ages – dancing out on the street. It’s pretty cool,” said Jackson.
They often post alerts on The Caroling Christmas Truck Facebook page as to where they plan on going next.
“People drop their fork and spoon and jump up from their table and run out to their garage and open their garage door and start yelling thank you, thank you. It’s an awesome feeling,” said Jackson.
It’s that feeling that makes the effort worthwhile, he said.
“I think Walter and I get more out of it than other people do. It’s just powerful. It feels so good to make people happy. It’s just a sobering feeling just to have the community wave at you and come out of the house and wrap the little kids up in blankets and dress them up real quick,” he said.
The warm reception they get is ever increasing, he added.
“The first night we went out, we left the shop, had my truck all decorated and we left. And I remember saying to Walter, if we could just make one little kid or one senior smile and wave at us, it would be worth it. That night I think we had 150 or two hundred people. We lost count after that. And every night we go out it’s getting to be 100 more,” he said.
The pair drove by schools in Olds before the Christmas break.
“They think I’m Santa Claus ‘cuz I got a white beard and glasses and I had a Santa tuque on and they were asking me for toys and all kinds of stuff. So I played along, I went ho, ho ho and they’re freaking out and vibrating,” said Jackson.
In Didsbury, staff at a seniors home brought residents down to the common area while others enjoyed the show from outdoors.
“We got outside the trucks, stood there and waved to them. And we played three songs and they were all dancing and clapping. It was pretty cool,” he said.
Comments on The Caroling Christmas Truck’s Facebook page show the community’s enthusiasm and appreciation for what they’re doing.
“You guys seriously know how to brighten spirits! THANK YOU for making our night!!” stated one poster.
Another wrote: “Thank you so much for this, you came by 51 ST last night and my son loved it especially because it was his 3rd birthday! This is amazing and the little bit of extra Christmas spirit that we need!”
Jackson said they get many people offering their appreciation.
“We’re like no, thank you. Thanks for coming out. That’s what makes it worth it," he said.
