The community is encouraged to come out and celebrate the Christmas season by supporting local businesses and enjoying a multitude of family friendly activities during the upcoming Sundown in Sundre.
"It's going to be one of the biggest and best yet," said Jaime Marr, the Sundre Pioneer Museum's executive director and sitting member of the annual event's organizing committee.
With support from the Town of Sundre, local businesses and the museum, the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce aims to provide an appealing opportunity for residents of all ages to come out and enjoy a social evening while shopping local and possibly even winning some prizes along the way, Marr told the Round Up last week.
In no particular order, the following are some samples of the many events and activities the organizing committee and businesses have been working hard to prepare for Friday, Dec. 1.
The museum's pioneer village will be open to the public from 4 to 10 p.m. at no charge.
"We will have the village open for some romantic strolling," said Marr, adding plans are to serve hot chocolate as well as to have a firepit going.
The museum will also be hosting the annual cookie walk fundraiser from 4 to 10 p.m. Five dollars covers the cost of entry, and includes a container to be filled with the baked goodies, she said.
This year, the museum will also be hosting the annual Festival of Wreaths silent auction, which has in the past been held at the Sundre Community Centre. Businesses or residents who so desire can donate a wreath, which can be dropped off at the museum. Organizers will set up a display so people can peruse the options ó free of charge ó and place bids on their favourites. The silent auction gets started on Monday, Nov. 27 and bidding will end on Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., she said, adding everyone will be contacted regarding who won the wreaths, which can then be picked up at their leisure by Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.
On Friday, Nov. 24, at 5:30 p.m., the museum will also host a wreath crafting session with an admission cost of $10 for people and community groups who are interested in making their own wreaths, with a facilitator that will offer some assistance, she said, adding proceeds will go to Sundown in Sundre.
Funds raised by the wreath silent auction, a chamber event, will be donated to a community organization, which as of last week had yet to be determined, she said.
The chamber is also planning to offer horse and wagon rides for couples and groups at the Greenwood Campground, which the municipality will open up to the public, she said.
"We are going to light up the park," she said, calling the wagon rides a chance to enjoy "a beautiful romantic winter wonderland."
The Sundre Elks Hall will also be hosting some activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., when hot dogs and warm beverages will be served in conjunction with a horse racing game.
Meanwhile, over at the Sundre Community Centre, the annual Christmas Bazaar Vendor Market will also be going on from 5 to 9 p.m. Vendors who are interested in setting up tables can contact Monica St.Dennis by email at [email protected].
"Everyone's invited to do some Christmas shopping there," said Marr, adding face painting for children will be available and that Santa will also be making a special guest appearance with his entourage of elves for a chance to take photos free of charge.
Speaking of elves, a new element introduced this year will be a sort of "Where's Waldo" search for people to seek out a total of 10 elves hidden at local participating businesses for a chance to win a prize, she said.
"This will be a fun activity for youth and children."
Organizers are also seeking sponsorship support to make available to the public the Sundre Community Van, she said.
Local participating businesses, which will be open until 10 p.m., will be offering some great deals, and residents who stop by a local restaurant for supper should keep their meal's receipt that can later be dropped off at locations to be announced for a draw, she said.
"Anyone who eats downtown on Sundown in Sundre has the potential to win a prize" that will likely be monetary, she said.
Follow the chamber's website ó www.sundrechamber.ca ó as well as the museum's social media presence for updates and developments.
