Fort Macleod’s annual Christmas Festival kicks off Friday, Nov. 25.
Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce and other organizations and businesses are joining forces for a full evening of festivity.
Free dinner
The Town of Fort Macleod and council will serve a free dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Devonian Walkway.
The first 500 people will be offered their choice of a bowl of chili or a hot dog.
Moonlight Madness
The Chamber of Commerce is organizing Moonlight Madness, the annual late-night shopping event.
Many businesses in the downtown core will offer great savings on many items, with some offering hourly specials.
Look for the participating merchants’ advertising in this special section.
Moonlight Madness officially gets under way at 5:30 p.m.
Petting Zoo
People who venture downtown on Friday night have the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of animals.
Gentle Giant Petting Zoo will set up shop on Main Street from 5:30-9 p.m.
Fort Macleod Vet Clinic and Scougall Motors are sponsors of the petting zoo.
Sleigh rides
People can enjoy a special seasonal treat with a sleigh ride.
Once Upon a Time Rides will offer sleigh rides beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Avail CPA, Structural Truss and Forma Steel are sponsors of this event.
Indigenous games
The University of Lethbridge and Fort Macleod Kids First Family Centre are sponsoring a cultural event on Main Street.
Indigenous games and story-telling will take place on Main Street beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Live music
Singer-songwriter Ryland Moranz will provide the sound track for the evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street.
Moranz will play sets of originals, covers and some of his festive favourites.
Davis Dodge is the sponsor of the band’s performance.
Christmas tree lighting
One of the highlights of the annual Christmas Festival is the lighting of the community tree at the west end of Main Street.
The Christmas tree lights will be turned on at 7:30 p.m., followed by a light show presented by Micro Glow and sponsored by Fortis Alberta.
Food, drink, bonfires
Tim Hortons is providing hot chocolate and coffee and ATB Financial is banking on people wanting to sample some s’mores.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association will be handing out free popcorn on Main Street.
Bill Jenkins is providing firepits and Dan Guliker of Dandy Man Tree Services is providing firewood so people can warm up on Main Street.
The firepits will be supervised by the Fort Macleod Fire Department.
GulikerVis is sponsoring face-painting by Lisa Lennon during the Christmas Festival.
Huckvale LLP is sponsoring a Lego giveaway on Friday night.
Craft sales
The Allied Arts Council of Fort Macleod is hosting its Giant Craft Sale beginning at 6 p.m. at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall.
The sale continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.
Fort Macleod Lions Club is hosting its Christmas Market from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Friday andfrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Hall.
Free movie
Crocus Coulee Ranch and the Empress Theatre are teaming up to provide some inside entertainment.
A free screening of the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation gets under way at 8 p.m.
Music at the Legion
The popular southern Alberta band The Chevelles is coming to town on Friday night.
The Fort Macleod branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is hosting the band at 8 p.m.
