The streets of Sundre were packed with people anxious to see what was in store for this year's annual Sundown in Sundre event on Friday.
The event is hosted by the Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce and has become quite popular over the years.
Last year it was nearly postponed due to -30 C weather conditions, but this year the low was -12 C.
Santa Claus and two of his elves arrived at the ball diamonds via helicopter and were instantly surrounded by children grinning ear to ear. Last year Santa arrived in a fire truck because it was too cold to fly in a helicopter.
And because the weather wasn't as cold as it has been in previous years, wagon rides around town were available for the first time in at least two years.
The Elks Hall was packed with people for the Christmas Bazaar, where tables were set up with homemade goodies and crafts for sale. A Christmas tree silent auction was also held at the Elks Hall for the first time this year.
Children decorated cookies and had their faces painted and photos taken with Santa and his elves at the Move Yourself Dance studio.
People lined up to pack Styrofoam boxes full of a variety of cookies at the Sundre Museum's cookie walk, and roughly 230 dozen cookies were donated.
There was also a festival of wreaths silent auction located beside Piros Family Restaurant.
Dancers with Move Yourself Dance performed at Country Road RV, where chili was served on a bun.
As well, various local businesses put on sales for a portion of the day, including V&S Department Store, Advanced Telecom, Tranquility Day Spa, Pharmasave, Studio 104, Little Country Cappuccino, RPM Automotive, Outwest Truck & Car Wash and IGA.
Other participating businesses included Home Hardware, Pharmachoice, Bargain Browzer, Aquaplex and Cowboy Trail Liquor Store.
There was a customer appreciation draw where shoppers could enter at participating businesses for a chance to win one of three prizes.
The grand prize was a Stay and Play package with the Best Western Mountainview Inn & Suites and Sundre Golf Club. The second prize was an outdoor patio set donated by Home Hardware and the third prize was a full body massage donated by Tranquility Day Spa and a $40 gift certificate to Piros Family Restaurant.
