Elk Point’s annual Christmas Extravaganza is just over two weeks away, and the final touches are being added to the plans for the late afternoon and evening of Friday, Nov. 26.
A steady stream of donations have been coming in to help fund the event, and Extravaganza committee chair Sandy Smith hopes that will continue until a fundraising goal of approximately $11,000 is reached to cover all the expenses.
This is an event geared to family fun, and new attractions have been added to the lineup this year. Activity Lane for youngsters five and under featuring such games as beanbag toss, an obstacle course and a snowball and spoon carry will be open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., while at the same time, older youngsters age six to 12 will follow the clues to seven downtown locations in a scavenger hunt. Volunteers from F. G. Miller High School will pitch in to assist with these events. From 7:30 to 9 p.m., face painting will be available at Footprints, where the play centre will also be open to enjoy free of charge.
In addition to the traditional photos with Santa at the Seniors’ Recreation Centre from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7:45 to 9:30 p.m., youngsters visiting that location will have the opportunity to make a Christmas craft.
The Winter Wonderland Parade will line up on Railway Ave. west of 50 Street, starting at 6:15 p.m. and will start winding its way up Main Street at 7 p.m. There is no need to register entries, just join in and enjoy entertaining the crowds along the route.
Horse-drawn wagon rides are also a big part of the entertainment, and will start immediately after the conclusion of the parade, going until approximately 9:30 p.m. This year, the wagon rides will depart from the Elk Point Visitor Information Eco Centre at the end of Main Street.
Stage entertainment near a roaring bonfire in the Servus Credit Union parking lot, free hot chocolate and a hot dog sale in the credit union lobby and a gigantic craft, trade and book sale at F. G. Miller High School are also on the agenda.
Plans for an outdoor skating rink near the Trail Riders cabin are currently on hold, pending the arrival of weather that would allow outdoor ice making.
The committee is planning a new format for prizes this year, with a new spin on an old concept. Instead of the draw boxes in stores, shoppers will be able to pick up Extravaganza passports at participating businesses as soon as Nov. 15, and will receive stamps for purchases $10 and up, from then until 9 p.m. on Nov. 26. Filled passports must be deposited in the draw barrel at the Elk Point Co-op prior to 9 p.m. on Extravaganza evening to qualify for the draw for $2,000, $500 and $300 in Elk Point Bucks, which can be spent at participating businesses.
