It was another bone-chilling day on Dec. 20, with temperatures in the low -30 C range, but the wind chill brought it down to -42C. Parents, grandparents and friends braved this winter cold spell to attend the Arcola School Christmas concert.
As the gymnasium slowly filled with people, only a few seats remained empty at the two shows, one beginning at 1 p.m. with a few extras on the docket, and the other performance was held at 6:30 p.m.
The chatter in the gymnasium quickly came to an end for the afternoon show as MC Amos McArthur took the microphone. He welcomed everyone to the grand performance of the children. Ron Wardrope was the MC for the evening show.
As the lights dimmed the pre-concert entertainment would begin. Six shadow videos made by the children would be played on the big screen.
The Grade 3 class began the event with the song, Mary had a Baby, which was followed with I’m a Little Snowman by the pre-kindergarten class.
The grade 1/2 class had the school mascots Prowler and Piper involved, and also sang, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
It is Christmas at the YMCA was performed by the Grade 4 class, and Grade 6 did Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Classes 8/9 did a dancing elf display which entertained the audience.
The Arcola Drama Club put on Secreta Santa at the Ark. Ole Industries. This was an afternoon performance only, which was written and directed by Alyssa Renner and the assistant director was Korinn Lawrence. This was based on four people working together and some loving the holidays more than others.
Kindergarten students continued the concert with the singing of Jingle Bells, while the Grade 5 class had the Jingle Bells Trap Mix, which consisted of darkness and flashing lights to enhance the show. Grade 3 finished off the concert with goodbyes.
The teachers and students worked hard to bring this performance to the audience.
The kids cheered each other on with loud applause when their performances were complete. Some children were eager to get on stage, as others were a little shy, but they all took their turn.
