ARCOLA - Sarah Rickard would sit and watch Hallmark Christmas movies with her mom, and this sparked an idea with Rickard. Her mother passed away in 2017 but she held tight to the special memories.
She held the first Main Street Christmas in Arcola in 2019.
Rickard and her partner and friend Cathy Burton organized the event. It was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19, but they came out in full force to hold their second Main Street Christmas in 2021, and Rickard said it was a great turnout.
Each year the event has grown, and this year is proving to be the biggest yet.
“I am excited,” said Rickard.
It will be held on Dec. 10 in Arcola and the day is packed with things to do all day for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteers do everything, and Rickard is thankful for all those that help to make this possible. The goal is to bring the community and surrounding areas together for a fun, free day for all ages.
Beginning at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex, a pancake breakfast and skating will be held from 8-10 a.m., courtesy of the curling club. It is new for this year.
Over 30 vendors will be at the Arcola Prairie Place Hall with a soup and sandwich luncheon from noon-2 p.m. A bake sale and raffle basket will also be there. Both events will donate any proceeds to the complex facility.
This is only the beginning. All businesses and antique shops will be open that day with specials and treats.
The library will have crafts from 1-3:30 p.m., and Moose Mountain Reformed Baptist Church will have cookie decorating and apple cider from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
A gingerbread house competition is arranged at the Arcola branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, along with a nativity scene from 2-6 p.m., which is new this year. Santa photos will also take place at the legion from 2-4 p.m.
Sleigh rides by Stan Logan from Forget will run from 2-4 p.m. as well, and the Optimist Club is having a magician at the Mac Murray Theatre with two shows, one at 3 p.m. and another at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable item for the food bank.
On Main Street, the town workers have been diligent at getting the tobogganing hill ready for the past several weeks.
Graham Carter, Deb Bourhis and Chuck Davis built an outdoor rink. This will be available throughout the winter for the kids to enjoy, along with a tobogganing hill.
The Arcola Fire Department and Arcola Co-op will offer hot dog and marshmallow roasting with hot chocolate, starting at 4 p.m. near the outdoor rink.
A pie auction is planned for 5:30 p.m. at the outdoor rink, and a tree lighting will happen at the town office at 6:30 p.m.
The Arcola-Kisbey Combines will host the Wawota Flyers in Big Six Hockey League action, or people can watch the movie TIL at the Mac Murray Theatre.
Any funds raised throughout the day will go directly to cover the costs of the event and then be saved for next year.
“We are looking forward to a great day,” said Rickard.
