HDA Christmas Gala spirited evening
By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist
Hanna Dance Association (HDA) promised the community the “Christmas Party of the Year” when they rolled out plans to host their Christmas Gala. On Friday, December 15th, they delivered on their promise with an evening filled with great food, music, prizes and more – all wrapped up in a magical Christmas atmosphere.
Prior to 2019, the Hanna RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) detachment held a formal Christmas Gala. It was well attended, with many local businesses participating as part of their staff appreciation and Christmas party plans. Like so many other events following 2019, the event was unable to be held for several years and did not resume. Volunteers with HDA were convinced that the event should come back, and Hanna RCMP showed their support in style. Members attended dressed in their formal red serge uniform, accompanied by family, friends and extended support staff. RCMP Sergeant Rob Welsman joined senior dancer Brooke Galster at the podium to emcee, where they rolled out the evening together.
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From the moment guests entered, the atmosphere was set with an elaborate display of Christmas lights and wonderland greenery, complete with snow and sparkle. Once escorted to their tables, guests enjoyed a charcuterie board filled with tasty pre-dinner snacks. Local caterer Karin Miller provided a piping hot dinner that was complemented by a variety of festive desserts, including festive cookies. When midnight rolled around, guests were treated to a lunch of mac and cheese that featured not one but three choices of sauce and assorted sides.
Nestled in the southeast corner of the hall, two young ladies were busy operating the photo booth. Guest positioned themselves in front of the festive backdrop of lit Christmas trees and “snow” where they had a complimentary photo taken. Couples, friends, families, and businesses took advantage to capture the evening with a photo – which was then printed for guests as a keepsake.
Country Music award nominee Garrett Gregory kept the crowd entertained and the dance floor rocking till the end of the evening. Currently nominated for not one but four awards (Horizon Male Artist, Fans Choice, Songwriter of the Year), the band rolled out several original songs, including Taste of Summertime, She Don’t Need to Drink to Dance and Leavin’ You.Business support for the event was evident. In addition to the live auction and silent auction items, the Christmas Tree was surrounded by brightly wrapped door prizes. Sixty happy winners left with a present when their names were drawn. Auctioneer Dexter Hutton provided a lively and entertaining auction for the live event. Funds from the live auction and silent auction will assist Hanna Dance Association “keeping dance as affordable for families as possible.”
HDA set some high standards with their inaugural Christmas Gala. If they forgot something, it certainly was not noticed by their guests. Right down to the drive home service with JC Charyk graduating class, it was a top-notch event with an army of dedicated volunteers. Here’s to hoping that this tradition continues for Hanna next season.