ESTEVAN - A freezing rain system that blasted southeast Saskatchewan on Sunday couldn't deter hundreds of people from attending the Christmas in the Park festivities organized by the Woodlawn Regional Park.
The event kicked off this year's Festival of Lights at the park. Following an afternoon of family activities in and around the Doug Third Hall, the park held its annual winter fireworks show. Then the festive displays that are part of the Festival of Lights were turned on for the first time this year.
Park business manager Maureen Daoust said Woodlawn is excited to offer the afternoon of family activities to everybody in the Estevan area.
"The weather wasn't super co-operative, but in Saskatchewan, we take what we get. It's not -40, so we're grateful for that," said Daoust.
The family activities included pictures with Santa, children's crafts and games, food served by the Â鶹´«Ã½AVern Plains Co-op, outdoor hockey, and horse-and-wagon rides provided by the Milfords.
Daoust is pleased the park can offer the outdoor fireworks show each year.
"We have the same crew out of Manitoba that we used last year, and they put on a remarkable show, and we actually added music to the show this year," said Daoust.
For those who were standing outside near the hall or watching from their vehicles, they could hear the music accompanying the fireworks.
"It's pretty awesome," said Daoust. "I think in Saskatchewan, most of us are used to summertime only for [fireworks, on] July 1st or parade days or fairs or exhibitions that run through the summer. So it's a pretty cool thing to be able to offer in the wintertime."
The Festival of Lights has around 55-60 exhibitors this year. Daoust said some previous participants had to take a break this year, but that was more than offset by some new entrants who want ot be involved.
"It's definitely the largest number of new people that we've had, so that's also very encouraging for us to keep it going, that we get all kinds of new businesses or service organizations that want to participate."
The Festival of Lights will run nightly until Jan. 1. Daoust said the exhibitors put a lot of time into their displays.
"It's a little bit of a feat to be creative and to maybe change it up from previous years," said Daoust.
While touring the displays, people can listen to FM 88.5 to listen to Christmas music and greetings from participants. The festival is free to attend, but there is a donation box at the end of the route.
Daoust was impressed with the number of people present for Christmas in the Park given the weather. She thanked the sponsors who supported the day and the Festival of Lights as a whole.
