Shaunavon was alive with wagon rides, choir songs, and fireworks during the Boomtown Christmas.

Put on by the Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce, the Saturday all-day series of events and activities saw families having a great time.

Organizing everything and helping to put on both the Parade of Lights and the Fireworks was Cal Vance, president of the Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce.

"We [the Chamber] can't be more pleased with the way everything went right from first thing this morning," said Vance.

Most of the events that were available were being held at the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre. There, kids could find a new tale to tell at the Used Book Sale or take up an adventure along the Story Trail.

The Story Trail allowed kids to run around the front yard at the Grand Coteau, tracking down pages from Grooty Fledermaus and the White Whisker by D. L. Kruse.The Story Trail allowed kids to run around the front yard at the Grand Coteau, tracking down pages from Grooty Fledermaus and the White Whisker by D. L. Kruse.

Also open for the kids was the Christmas Card Decorating workshop. Kids were able to custom design cards that friends and family were sure to be impressed by, with glitter, glue, and everything they could think to do to make them special.

Card decorating involved designing, making, and signing of all original works. Card decorating involved designing, making, and signing of all original works.

The museum at the Grand Coteau was also open to the public. There was art for sale, with painted pieces, crafted ornaments, and ceramics on display. 

Hundreds gathered for the Hot Dog Sale, where for a small fee, folks could get a fully loaded hot dog, and even purchase some hot chocolate on the side. The warmth was sorely needed, as a cool breeze lent the snowless night an edge of winter chill.

The line eventually wrapped all the way back up the stairs and to the door.The line eventually wrapped all the way back up the stairs and to the door.

In fact, local young entrepreneurs were supported by 16 local businesses during a hot chocolate competition. These businesses allowed these young upstarts to sell their particular mix of warm cocoa. Judging them was Saint Nicholas himself.

"The business community really chipped in this year to really help us out with the hot chocolate stands," said Vance. "All I can say is thank you."

Many of those same people getting their hot dogs and hot chocolate at the Grand Coteau were there to see the choir performance of Christmas Carols.

A few hundred folks gathered at the Grand Coteau, listening to carols and preparing for the parade. A few hundred folks gathered at the Grand Coteau, listening to carols and preparing for the parade. 

Then, the Parade of Lights came through with 22 floats and vehicles coming by.

Centre Street was packed, with many sipping hot chocolate to keep the cold at bay. Centre Street was packed, with many sipping hot chocolate to keep the cold at bay.

Centre Street in Shaunavon was packed as people filled every parking spot and lined the street as these festive chariots cruised by. Some were wrapped in Christmas paper, others covered in twinkling lights. 

Trucks new and old were decked out in decorations, while others pulled their displays behind on a float. Trucks new and old were decked out in decorations, while others pulled their displays behind on a float.

Plenty had music, and more than a few were in costume as they rolled by. Bringing up the rear was Santa Claus, joined by a few younger children from in town.

"I was pulling Santa in the parade and had the young kids on the back singing away and it was nice," said Vance. "It was a little warmer than what it was last year."

After the parade, folks departed to first warm up at the bonfires, before heading over to the ball diamonds to watch the fireworks.

This year, Pioneer Co-op was the chief sponsor responsible for securing the fireworks. This year, Pioneer Co-op was the chief sponsor responsible for securing the fireworks. 

By the end, with the final flares of colour and sparkles twinkling away into the night, everyone was able to go home after the largest fireworks show in Shaunavon Boomtown Christmas history.

 "It's just all the businesses chipping in and letting us bring this to the community," said Vance. "So that any family can come and just have a great time for the day."

Vance says that they already have a planning meeting booked for next week. The Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce hopes to once again put on a big show for everyone to enjoy next year, hopefully with a bit more snow.

 

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, Swift Current Online encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the Swift Current Online app.