It was a festive mood at Pakan School in Goodfish Lake on Dec. 13, as hundreds of community members and friends gathered for the annual community Christmas banquet.
About 300 people lined up for a Christmas-styled feast and enjoyed a variety of entertainment throughout the evening. The banquet has been organized for at least the past 15 years, says organizer Georgina Halfe. But, it's only been the past three years that local RCMP have been included in the festivities.
A few years ago, organizers invited RCMP members to join in the event and help serve the Christmas feast to the community. Six members were in attendance on Tuesday night, offering scoops of stuffing, gravy, and plates of turkey to people of all ages.
Staff Sgt. Bob Batchelor, who did a quick little jig with Chief James Jackson following the meal, was joined by Sgt. Darrell McPherson, Cpl. Robert Delve, Cst. Rowena Shea, Cst. Robert Hynes, and Cst. Darrell Stranger in serving the meal.
“They are now part of our community," said Halfe as she explained the importance of having the RCMP participate in the event.
Once supper wrapped up, children were treated by a visit from Santa Claus, who also took to the stage and entertained the audience with a rendition of Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas.
