Celebration of Lights a go in 2020

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Come the long nights of winter, Strathmore will be a brighter place thanks to a group of hardworking volunteers.

The Celebration of Lights is a yearly event featuring light displays around the baseball diamonds at the Strathmore ag grounds. It is an affordable and accessible opportunity for residents to celebrate the holidays, explained committee chairperson Jennifer Mamer.

“It’s a free program we can offer to the community so anyone can come out, enjoy them and be part of the Christmas season,” said Mamer.

While similar events exist in larger communities such as Calgary and Airdrie, the Celebration of Lights is truly Strathmore-made. 

“We’ve been out to some of the bigger parks in the city, and in all honesty, with a much smaller community and a much smaller budget, our park is as good, if not better,” said Mamer. “We build all of our pieces, whereas most other places purchase theirs.”

But there is still work to do.

The Celebration of Lights committee is seeking volunteers to help design, build and set up its displays. There will be one large display like that of two years ago, when a 20- by 30-foot display was constructed, explained Mamer, who worked previously as the event’s artistic director. Additionally, several smaller displays will be built on temporary fencing.

For this work, volunteers are needed for work parties at the ag grounds, held Mondays from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no minimum time requirement for volunteering.

Those that participate will have their work seen from far and wide, said Mamer. “Because of where Strathmore is located, we’re on the takeoff and landing zones from the Calgary airport, so you can actually see the park from the air.” 

The displays could also brighten the spirits of those away for the holidays. 

“We have done virtual tours with people if they have family overseas or in the military who can’t make it home,” she said.

The committee is also seeking volunteers to help keep the park open by performing security and counting capacity.

The park will be open from Nov. 28, the last Saturday of November, until Jan. 8, 2021. It will be open each evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendance is free, but the group is encouraging donations.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Jennifer Mamer at 403-604-3951 for information.