ELK POINT - The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic already had Elk Point and District Chamber of Commerce erase all the usual events surrounding their annual Christmas Extravaganza, from the main street bonfire to the hot chocolate, photos with Santa and late night shopping events off their calendar. But, they set about planning the Winter Wonderland Parade for this coming Saturday, Nov. 28, with fingers crossed that it could go ahead.
They’d even sent an invitation to Santa, asking him to be part of the glittering procession of lighted floats.
Tuesday afternoon’s announcement of tightened regulations resulting from the spike in COVID cases quickly rescinded that invitation, along with the messages to local businesses and organizations, urging them to join the parade, with the chamber executive making a very reluctant decision to cancel the popular event.
The parade was to have been part of the kick-off to Shop Local Week, which will still go ahead from Saturday, Nov. 28 to Saturday, Dec. 5 with shoppers receiving entry forms at participating businesses to enter a draw that could see them back out shopping with gift cards from chamber member businesses.
A new event this year, the Forest of Lights, will also go ahead, with businesses and organizations decorating outdoor trees to form a bright display near the EcoCentre, which can be enjoyed by those driving by on Railway Ave. from Nov. 29 to Jan. 2, 2021.
