Light Up The Night embraced by community
By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist
The Hanna Chamber of Commerce kicked off another great “Light Up the Night” event, which started in the afternoon with Photos with Santa at Westview Co-op, Family Fun at the Hanna Library and concluded with the evening parade on Friday, December 1.
The annual parade is a highlight for many, and this year, there was great participation, with a total of 28 parade entries, which included seven firetrucks.
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Starting at the Hanna Medical Clinic, the parade delighted residents of the Long Term Care home, moved along 7th Ave to Palliser Trail and past the Hanna Lodge, Parkview Residence, the Manors and along 5th Street West to make the journey along 2nd Ave West to the Hanna Memorial Park.
Residents lined the streets along the route while those who chose to visit the business section were warmed with one of several fire pits, hot chocolate and a festive atmosphere. The Jolly Fellow himself, Santa Claus, was on hand to do the countdown and officially “light Up” Memorial Park with the help of several youngsters and a great cheer from the crowd.
Parade entries clearly reflected the time and effort taken to provide an eye-catching parade for the enjoyment of the community. The top three entries saw Prairie Land School Division awarded first prize for their efforts, while Eye Candy and the Bethel Evangelical Church were awarded second and third place, respectively.
Hanna Chamber representatives indicated they were very thankful for the participation of all entries, the local detachment of Hanna RCMP for leading the parade and the local Fire Department for their participation. Additional parade entries included Hanna Museum, Town of Hanna, Weich Farms (Delmar Weich), Freson Bros. Westview Coop, Anchor Glass, Hiway 9 Towing, OK Tire, Asset Management (Chad Brummond), Hanna Chrysler, Tacabree Country, Lynxx, Buck Brush Farm, Hanna Discussion Group, Hanna Library and Cervus Equipment.
“Light up the Night” also kicked off the Christmas Shopping Passport promotion, which will run until December 15. Passports are available from any Chamber member, and only one stamp is required for each entry. There are three draws for entry – Kids Draw Girl, Kids Draw Boy and Adult Draw. A purchase or payment is required to acquire a stamp. Chamber members can include utilities, service and repair businesses who are listed as members of the Hanna & District Chamber of Commerce.
Completed passports are to be dropped off at Hanna Fresh Market, Freson Bros. Town of Hanna or during office hours at the Chamber office. Draw Date will be Tuesday, December 19, 2023.