Strathmore Celebration of Lights needs volunteers

By Christine Foshaug Times Contributor

With the Christmas season fast approaching, the Strathmore Lions Club Celebration of Lights committee will begin preparations on Sept. 15.
This will be the 12th year of the event, which takes over the ball diamonds at the ag grounds from the end of November to early January. Their first order of business is to recruit volunteers.
“In order to make this year’s event a success, we need volunteers,” said Jennifer Mamer, committee chair. “We can’t do it without them. There are opportunities for everyone, from children to seniors, and people can put in as much or as little time as they want.”
The committee, which is a sub-group of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, is partnering again with the Strathmore Lions Club and the Town of Strathmore. New committee members are welcome, and the volunteer coordinator position is vacant. “The volunteer coordinator is a vital role, so we really need to get it filled right away,” Mamer said.
In the weeks leading up to opening night, volunteers are needed to help decorate the park, from building and repairing panels to decorating trees and putting up lights and garland.
“Traditionally, the prep work has been done on Saturdays,” explained Mamer, “but this year ideally we’d like to do some work through the week. It takes 10-15 volunteers to do the decorating, and service organizations and community groups often help out as well.”
Last year, volunteers built 20 new panels for the park. With 20 panels needing to be repaired this year, they’re still hoping to have the time and the budget to create some new displays.
“There’s always going to be new designs, new things to enjoy,” said Mamer. “We want to keep it fresh and exciting.”
After opening night, they’ll need volunteers at the park every night from 6-9 p.m. to keep the fires going, serve cookies and occupy the chalet by the front gate, which houses more historical displays and toys.
This year’s Light Up the Night will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30, right after the Santa Claus Parade. The Brentwood School Choir and the Strathmore Children’s Choir will return to sing carols, Santa will be in attendance and there will be fireworks to kick off the festive season.
Every Saturday evening until Christmas, kids can visit Santa at Santa’s Cottage and go on sleigh rides around the park.
“It’s a great way for people to get into the Christmas spirit and get involved in the community,” added Mamer. “What’s better than seeing the joy on children’s faces as they munch on cookies and take in all the holiday sights and sounds?”
The committee is seeking sponsors, whose logos will be showcased in the Strathmore Times and on event signage. Donations, in either monetary or service form, are also appreciated.
If you’d like to join the Strathmore Lions Club Celebration of Lights committee, the next meeting will be held on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at the ag society office. And if you’re interested in volunteering, contact Jennifer Mamer at 403-604-3951 or jmamer83@telus.net.