麻豆传媒AV

Popular Christmas carols that state "Oh the weather outside is frightful" or "Baby, it's cold outside!" were absolute truths the night of Dec. 5 in Unity.

It appears, ever since organizing a community Christmas celebration, beginning with the once Winterlites parade, we can all be assured of one thing - the temperatures will plummet. There was much talk over a steaming cup of hot chocolate the night of Dec. 5, reviewing the uncanny co-incidence of the annual Winter Wonderland events co-inciding with a drastic temperature change.

2013 was no different. Spearheaded again in partnership with Unity Credit Union and Delta Co-op, businesses and organizations were encouraged to host an event or a promotion the evening of Dec. 5 as part of the Winter Wonderland downtown festive kickoff. A dozen different places took part with activities ranging from cookie decorating at Our Drug Store to customer appreciation or evening specials at other businesses.

The large Christmas tree at the end of Main Street was lit up, accompanied by a Santa figure.

Unity Credit Union bravely manned the elements by once again hosting traditional sleigh rides, although they did choose to move the hot dogs and hot chocolate to the Friendship Centre to make it a more enjoyable atmosphere for participants and volunteers alike. Gerald Hauta, Unity Credit Union general manager, stated, in spite of the drastic climate change, they were still very pleased with their turnout and the number of people who participated in the downtown activities.

Delta Co-op was a full house throughout the evening as they hosted a number of local musical performances that had folks dancing in the aisles. Large crowds could enjoy a hot chocolate and a visit with a neighbour, while children kept Santa-in-training very busy. The man in red pointed out he was wearing elf boots as he hadn't graduated from training yet.

You were sure to be induced into full blown Christmas spirit by the lively Christmas music, the squeals of delight by the children or the hearty "ho, ho, hos" heard throughout the venue.

The former Ultra Sports building made way for a photo shop as Amanda Ubell snapped photographs for families during the evening's events. Sunrise Wellness Spa also hosted live music, which enticed a dance pair or two at their open house event. The Lions Club even lit up their Christmas tree lot beside the co-op, ready for those folks who wanted to purchase their live Christmas tree.

Organizers were pleased with the number of businesses who chose to host an event, activity or promotion that evening to increase the options for those coming downtown to discover and take part in the activities offered.

Even though the weather did its best to deter participants, those who came remarked "I haven't seen downtown that busy in some time" and "I can't believe the number of people who came out on such a cold night." Proof in point that residents love to gather and love to share events in their community, and that kicking off the festive season was fun no matter what the weather dished out.