From a pancake breakfast to a Polar Express Christmas parade, Labrador City’s Winter Lights festivities are shaping up to be a fun-filled day for young and old alike.
The events are a great way to start the Christmas season, said the town’s special events program coordinator, Evelyn Ryan.
Both Labrador City and Wabush town councils encourage residents to participate in the activities including the Lions Club Santa Claus parade. People can take part by decorating their vehicles or by watching the parade along the route.
The theme of this year’s parade Northern Lights Polar Express reflects the beauty of both towns, Ryan said.
The Lions Club will choose winners for best commercial industrial float, best youth group float, best family float, best organization or group float, and best overall float.
Get on board a locomotive
Thanks to a partnership between Western Labrador Railway, Tacora, Pencal and the Town of Labrador City children will be invited onboard a locomotive for a tour and to have their picture taken, Ryan said.
“It’s going to be great to showcase what our community is based on, going back to our roots,” she said.
There is also going to be an open skate with Disney characters, followed by the parade.
“Then we have a church service with a light service then we go and have the lighting of our Christmas tree,” she said.
Ryan said it’s thanks to the many hours volunteers put in that makes the winter lights celebration the spectacular event of the year.
Amanda Rowsell has been volunteering with the special events committee for almost nine years.
“I love helping with all of the special events in Labrador West. It’s a great way to give back to a community that I grew up in,” Rowsell said.
She took on a very special role of Mrs. Claus in 2018 during the pancake breakfast.
Seeing the expression on the faces of the children as they took in their first view of Santa and Mrs. Claus was magical, she said.
“Christmas is my absolutely favourite time of year so being able to dress up as Mrs. Claus was a dream come true for me and certainly the highlight of my Christmas ... the excitement was contagious and a wonderful way to start the Christmas celebrations. I hope to get to do it again and again,” she said.
