A group of sisters/cousins enjoyed some star-light at Kiwanis Park Sunday evening following the opening ceremony of the Festival of Lights. The park will be lit between 4:30-11 p.m. until the first week in January. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
Kiwanis Park is still buzzing after folks gathered on Sunday to see the whole park illuminated with an eclectic mix of Christmas lights and decorations.
This is the fifth year the club has put on the Festival of Lights and it’s gaining support and popularity each year.
“It’s something the club took on as a project to just make our city beautiful and give people a place to come and get together and enjoy Christmas—bring some joy,” said Lloydminster Kiwanis Club president and Festival of Lights co-chair Brad Pelley.
“If we can bring joy to just one life it’s worth it. And with the reaction we’ve seen of the people here today, how people are enjoying this, it’s all worth it.”
It’s been a labour of love for the entire club, which currently sits at 10 members.
Vera Gallant, Lloydminster Kiwanis Club secretary and Festival of Lights co-chair, said she was very pleased with the number of people who came out for the big reveal.
“This is what it’s all about—this is what we wanted to achieve. We wanted a place where the community could gather and that’s exactly what we’re doing. The attendance tonight is fabulous,” exclaimed Gallant, adding the club is so thankful for the support they receive from a number of local businesses.
“Once again, thank you to the community. I’m sure some of the businesses want to lock the door when they see me coming,” Gallant laughed.
“But everybody is so generous and just so kind and always willing to help out, so I want to thank everybody again.”
The club began working on the display way back in September.
“It was the end of September when we first came out and started decorating,” said Gallant.
“It is a lot of work and we are a small club, so if it was only us we would never finish, so thank God the community came out and helped us.”
The weather was nearly perfect Sunday, sitting around minus five and just a skiff of snow on the ground.
“It’s awesome. It’s not too cold, not too warm. A little bit of snow today made it better, everything stands out with a little bit of snow,” said Pelley.
The park will be glowing each night between 4:30 and 11 p.m. until the first week in January.
“We definitely could use more members … it’s a small commitment,” said Pelley.
If anyone is interested in becoming a Kiwanis member they can reach out on Facebook or give Vera a call at 780-871-1298.
