Light Up Okotoks festivities will go off with a bigger bang this year as the fireworks show that caps off the annual Friday evening events is getting a boost.
Todd Reidlinger, who sponsors the fireworks show each year, wanted to see a dynamic show people will talk about for some time so the owner of Okotoks Rentals is increasing his financial commitment to the fireworks.
“I figured I’d up the ante a bit,” said Reidlinger. “I wanted people to look at it and ask around ‘who put the fireworks on this year.’” He was able to connect with a fireworks company through the Global Fest event in Calgary and they will be doing the fireworks display on Nov. 18.
“We attend the Global Fest every year and I’ve always liked the finale where it’s banging and crashing with fireworks going off everywhere,” said Reidlinger. “They said they’ll put on a big show this year.”
The Okotoks fireworks start at 9 p.m. on Friday and will be set off alongside Northridge Drive.
Okotoks’ community events co-ordinator Marg Cox said she loves watching people enjoy themselves during the annual event which kicks off the Christmas season.
“It’s so wonderful, it’s a pretty enchanting evening and it’s just so magical,” she said. “Everyone seems to get into the spirit and have fun and truly enjoy it.”
Cox said the weather forecast is calling for a warmer than average day on Friday which should mean it will be a great turn out this year.
“We do expect lots of little ones out and lots of families out saying hello to their neighbours and doing some shopping,” she said.
Welcoming ceremonies will be held at the Olde Towne Okotoks Plaza at 6:45 p.m., followed by the official lighting of the Town Christmas Tree in the plaza at 7 p.m.
Santa will be in attendance to help turn on the lights before heading over to his sleigh outside the Okotoks Art Gallery where families can bring their children for photos with the Jolly Old Elf.
Other special events will include a sugar shack, live music, horse drawn wagon rides, carolers, street vendors and live reindeer, Normie and Newt. Fire pits will be located throughout the downtown area for people to keep warm. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available at the Okotoks Art Gallery and the Okotoks Public Library. The library will also host a performance by North of Broadway from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
New this year will be an ice sculpture demonstration in front of the Okotoks Municipal Centre.
It’s also a great time for Christmas shopping as downtown businesses will be open until 9 p.m. The annual Royal Purple Bazaar will be held at the Elks Hall from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a Christmas craft sale will be held at the Okotoks United Church.
The fun will continue on Saturday with more shopping in downtown businesses and the United Church and Royal Purple craft sales. There will also be an artisan market at the Okotoks Art Gallery. Okotoks Sobeys will host ginger bread decorating demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Junior B Bisons will host a parking lot hockey game at 40 Elizabeth Street from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“Kids can bring their sticks and bring their helmets and get a chance to meet and play against the Bisons and have some fun,” said Cox.
The Okotoks Recreation Centre will cap off the festivities with public skating and swimming from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cox asked people attending to keep safety in mind with horses, live reindeer, crowds and dark nighttime lighting downtown. She also said parking is at a premium during the event and urged people to either arrive early of walk.
