Dear Editor,
New Year's Eve in Turner Valley was very special and full of light. All kinds of light.
Inside the Flare ‘n’ Derrick, lots going on: a balloon wizard twisting balloons into fantastic toys for little kids; face-painting with dazzling sparkly designs; hot chocolate for all; and people of all ages just watching and visiting.
When we wandered through, exchanged greetings with the folks of all ages, and then a nice surprise — candle torches. Everyone was offered a candle torch — a plastic cup with a candle inserted through a hole in the bottom — very effective and safe in spite of the little bit of wind. No problem getting them lit — strangers offered to light yours from their candle. A nice way to make a new friend. The colours were red or green and when people went outdoors, the effect was magical. Imagine those little torches carried by big and little people like winter fireflies all around the edges of the rink and up by the campground.
A group of little boys discovered the snow bank was just right for tunneling, and about five of them dug persistently until they had cut right through, and could wiggle their way through it. They checked it out with their candle torches, so they had light in the tunnel. One mom even tried to wriggle through backwards (just to help clear more snow) and nearly got stuck.
The rink was buzzing with skaters (all ages), with people indoors and out putting on the skates. More light: two big bonfires blazing, one by the rink and one up by the campground.
The Lions just kept putting on the logs, and nobody could get cold. Another place for greeting newcomers and sharing best wishes.
Then the fireworks, what an amazing show. So well designed, with timing, sequence and patterns. Beautiful. Sitting or standing by the bonfire, all had a front row view. So nice that it was done before 9 p.m., so the youngest children could be there for it.
Thanks and applause to the team who worked together to put on this third annual family event, all of who gave their good ideas, their work and their time to be there. Well done.
Joy Hinman
Turner Valley
