This 2018 file photo shows one of the light displays at the Park Meadows Estates community. The annual Christmas light display will turn on for the season on Saturday.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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The Park Meadows Christmas light display that covers the community in Medicine Hat is ready to be turned on this Saturday, one of the organizers informs the News.
Each year for several decades, residents have decked out their own house fronts and the common park and walking paths in behind.
“It’s all ready to go,” Lance Tayler told the News this week ahead of Saturday’s opening night. Lights are on 5-10 p.m. each night throughout he season.
“It’s a lot of work, but it brings so much joy to people as they walk through, and that makes it worth it.”
Donations are accepted at the entrances which are applied evenly to a donation to the Medicine Hat Root Cellar and the sizable cost and upkeep of displays.
Madness extends to Redcliff
The annual Christmas Tree lighting in Redcliff, along with a new Moonlight Madness shopping and Holiday festivities, takes place Friday night in the town.
Carolling, Christmas Karaoke and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus will highlight the evening that begins at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7 p.m.
A market inside Parkside School runs from 4-9 p.m., and shopkeepers in the town will stay open late for the occasion.
An abridged schedule of Holiday events in the Hat:
– This weekend also features the Heritage Market at Medalta, with local and regional vendors displaying wares on Friday, from 4-8 pm., and then Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Music, a craft for kids and free museum admission are advertised.
– Gifts and Goodies Gala at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church, “mini trade fair” and bake sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday;
– Christmas with Leahy, Celtic, folk, traditional music and carols at the Esplanade, Saturday night, tickets at tixx.ca or box office.
– The Nutcracker Ballet, Dec. 1-3 at the Esplanade Theatre, tickets required.
– MH Potters’ Association Christmas Sale, Dec. 2 and 3, Medicine Hat Cultural Centre, starting 10 a.m. each day, (cash only);
– Olde Tyme Christmas Fair, Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m., Heritage Village at MH Exhibition and Stampede Grounds;
– German-Canadian Harmony Hall Christmas Diner and Dance, Dec. 9, 5 p.m. on at the Hall in Redcliff (advance tickets only).
– – Santa Claus Parade, MH News Santa Claus Fund, Monday, Dec. 11 (one night only);
— MH News Santa Claus Fund Charity Auction, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. to close, Dayz-Off Pub;
– CPKC Holiday Train, Dec. 19, 3 p.m., N. Railway Street, food bank fundraiser.
[Editors note: the original version of this story included incorrect dates for the MH Santa Claus fund Santa Parade. It will be held on one night, Dec. 11, rather than over several nights in year’s past.]
