Two of Assiniboia鈥檚 prominent events 鈥� the Christmas Light Parade and the Festival of Trees 鈥� were cancelled this year because of the pandemic. Indoor public banquets, conferences, weddings and funeral receptions in public venues were limited to 30 people in Saskatchewan since Nov. 27, with food or beverages not allowed to be displayed or served at public events in compliance with the provincial ruling.
Although Premier Scott Moe indicated he would like to ease restrictions for Christmas earlier in December, most public health officials in Saskatchewan were uncertain if relaxing the rules for the holiday season would be achievable as case numbers continued to rise.
Despite the anxieties produced by rising cases, the Christmas spirit hasn鈥檛 vanished for Assiniboia in 2020.
Events such as the third annual Twinkle Tour continued in 2020 from December 8-10, although there weren鈥檛 any treats or hot drinks served in the Kin Hut this year, nor were Kinsmen driving sleighs and buses to show people the town鈥檚 decorated homes.
But Santa and Mrs. Claus managed to leave the North Pole this December 鈥� the couple, in their traditional red and white-trimmed outfits, sat outside of a house in Second Avenue West in Assiniboia on Dec. 9, rubbing their hands before an open fire in the cold on a night with fog and light flurries; waving and smiling at everyone who passed. 聽聽聽
鈥淭he COVID-19 guidelines聽have certainly brought changes to the programming, but we aren't going to let those restrictions put a damper on our Christmas spirit in Assiniboia,鈥� said Recreation and Community Wellness Manager Stephanie VanDeSype. 鈥淚 have been forced to be creative with the Recreation and Community Wellness programming and reach members of our community through social media and adapt our events to stay within the guidelines.鈥�
Nine days before the guidelines on gatherings in the province were amped, the second annual Lights of Love occurred in Centennial Park on Nov. 18, where masking and social distancing was encouraged.
鈥淲e were still able to proceed with Lights of love, with donations exceeding our expectations. We had many in attendance, both in person and virtual,鈥� VanDeSype said, describing one of Assiniboia鈥檚 newest pre-Christmas traditions, where people honour loved ones who have passed away by lighting trees in the park in November with lights purchased from the Assiniboia Town Office. 聽聽聽
The Twinkle Tour proved to be another success for Assiniboia鈥檚 Christmas season with 16 houses entered in the third annual house-decoration contest, although alternations were introduced to address public health concerns. 鈥淭he Twinkle Tour maps are posted online as well at the post office 鈥� the residents have embraced the changes and the streets have been full of cars slowly driving by the beautiful Christmas displays,鈥� VanDeSype said, adding 鈥淭he online voting has been very well received. We have had as many votes online as we did in person last year.鈥�
Certainly, the Twinkle Tour showed how the Christmas spirit could overwhelm aspects of COVID-19 to a degree.
鈥淭he Christmas spirit in our community continues to grow! I anticipate even more homes participating next year,鈥� VanDeSype stated with enthusiasm, adding 鈥淚 believe that the tour continues to grow, as well as the lights of love donations continue to increase, because our community has ample amounts of spirit and love to share with one another. I anticipate both events will continue to grow as the word spreads and they are events that our community will look forward too.鈥澛犅�
Although the Christmas Light Parade was cancelled this year, Assiniboia鈥檚 first responders planned to escort a COVID-safe parade for Sunday, Dec 13. Hutch Ambulance, the RCMP, a representative from the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers and the Assiniboia Fire Department will tour the town with the parade beginning at 6 p.m. on Second Avenue East then proceeding to the town鈥檚 south end.
Santa and Mrs. Claus promised to join this parade filled with Christmas cheer and propelled with musical favourites of the season played on speakers.
While COVID-19 may have transformed the holiday season for December 2020, the Christmas spirit hasn鈥檛 been swept away in Assiniboia this year.
鈥淚 would like to personally thank this community for embracing our programs and events,鈥� VanDeSype remarked. 鈥淚t brings me great joy to bring joy to you! Merry Christmas!鈥�
