(File Photo, rdnewsNOW)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Launching Christmas Season Safely

New look for Red Deer Lights the Night this year

Nov 12, 2020 | 12:39 PM

As many begin to turn their attention towards the fast approaching Christmas season, officials with The City of Red Deer say residents can expect a modified version of ‘Red Deer Lights the Night’ this year.

The event will once again be presented by Stantec and hosted by The City of Red Deer and Downtown Business Association (DBA).

With citizens not able to gather together in City Hall Park as in previous years, the tradition of lighting up the night as a community will continue.

Red Deerians are invited to help light the night by turning on their home and business Christmas lights in unison at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21. A video showcasing the lights and decorations in City Hall Park will be shared on The City’s social media channels so Red Deerians can enjoy the view safely and from the comfort of their own homes.

“Red Deer Lights the Night is one of our city’s favourite annual events,” says Bobby-Jo Stannard, Community Development Superintendent, in a release. “Though the pandemic has required us to modify the details, we wanted to find ways for the community celebration to carry on. We’re inviting Red Deerians to join the celebration and light up their homes with us November 21, extending the event from downtown to neighbourhoods across the city.”

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Officials point out there are many other ways as well to celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season in 2020, including artisan markets hosted by the DBA and Red Deer Arts Council, local shopping and dining opportunities, downtown lights and window art, and Ross Street Patio programming. More information on these components will be posted to The City’s website.

It’s also acknowledged that the festivities would not be complete without an appearance from Santa. Because young Red Deerians cannot visit him in person at City Hall Park this year, he will be touring local neighbourhoods on the Stantec Santa Bus.

On Dec. 5 and 12, children of all ages are invited to watch from the window to see Santa wave as the bus drives by. Residents are reminded to follow physical distancing guidelines though and are asked to remain in front of their own homes, if possible, while watching for the Stantec Santa Bus.

A complete schedule of the Stantec Santa Bus has not yet been released.

“Stantec is proud to continue our support of this special annual holiday tradition for our city, even in its modified form,” says Travis Fillier, Stantec Red Deer office leader. “This year, more than ever, it is important for all of us to find ways to celebrate the holiday season safely. Stantec is so excited to help Santa make his way around Red Deer, bringing joy to children of all ages, even the young at heart! Happy Holidays!”

As a special feature for this year, local hockey fans will have a chance to score some prizes from Hockey Canada, including Team Canada merchandise and game tickets for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. To enter the contest, Red Deer residents can submit photos of their Canadian, hockey-themed decorations online. More details will be announced in the coming days.

“We know many Red Deerians are disappointed with the postponement of the World Juniors tournament, and we’re thrilled to partner with Hockey Canada to keep the excitement going until we’re able to host the event,” says Stannard.

For more information, visit www.reddeer.ca/rdlights.