An annual holiday event is set to bring the Christmas spirit, and Santa Claus, to downtown Dawson Creek on Friday.
The city said several streets downtown will be closed to make way for the festivities, which include the unveiling of the community Christmas tree at the Mile Zero marker on the Alaska Highway.
The tree lighting will be revealed at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, but organizers encourage people to arrive up to an hour earlier, when the festivities begin.
“There’s a lot of Christmas blowups placed all around the stage, so people are always busy getting pictures taken beside them and enjoying that music that starts playing after 6 o’clock. Then, we go to live music close to 6:30,” said Joe Judge, the chairperson for the Christmas tree light up committee. The committee works alongside the Rotary Club of Dawson Creek every year.
“When we get to about 6:45, or thereabouts, we have a few very short speeches and some more music as we await the arrival of Santa Claus – who usually arrives just before seven. Then, Santa has the great honour of leading us in the countdown for the Christmas tree light- up that takes place right at seven.”
After Claus arrives, he will stick around to greet children and pose for photos.
“It’s not a long event, but it’s a fun event. Last year, Santa Claus sat for an hour for people to take pictures of him by the tree. Santa Claus is a very busy guy, so we appreciate him being able to be with us,” said Judge.
Ahead of the event, the city announced road closures from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday night. 10 Street and 102 Avenue will be closed in all directions.
“All the other streets further down 10 Street, 102 (Avenue) — there’s lots of places to park. People do that and then just walk up with their family, or whoever, and come along to enjoy the ambiance and festivities,” explained Judge.
Some stores downtown stay open for guests to pop in as they roam. The show will go on snow or shine, Judge said.
Friday’s forecast on Environment Canada expects a low of –1 C. and clear skies in the night.
