It will be the same Christmas tradition, but with a little twist this year. On Dec. 8, the Town Of Grand Falls-Windsor will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting, but instead of the one big tree residents normally see lit up, there will be a number of trees decked out with colourful lights.
“Instead of lighting the huge tree like we normally do, we’ll be having a Christmas village atmosphere and lighting the smaller trees along the perimeter of the fire hall and public works offices there,” said Councillor Amy Coady-Davis, chair of the parks, recreational and special events committee. “Our tree didn’t take root like we had planned, and there was some damage to the tree with high winds, so we removed the tree. And because we are trying to be environmentally conscious we will not be purchasing and transplanting another tree so we are going to make it a village-type atmosphere, which will be nice.” This way, the cost of purchasing and transplanting a tree is eliminated, she said, adding this is the second, if not third time a big tree has had to be transplanted. “And obviously there is no guarantee that the tree will root and continue to grow,” Coun. Coady-Davis said. “You’ll still get the same effect. It will be dark and we’ll flick the switch and everything will illuminate.” The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in front of the fire hall and Public Works Depot. Coun. Coady-Davis said everything else included will be the same as previous years. “We’ll still have our regular activities, the Salvation Army Band and the greetings from the dignitaries,” she said. “Well still be serving our hot chocolate and wieners and loot bags for the children and I’m sure Santa Claus will also make an appearance.” There will be somebody from the community appointed to help Mayor Al Hawkins flick the switch to light up the Christmas village. “The absence of the tree, obviously, is going to be noticeable, but we want to make it as pretty and Christmassy as possible, so we usually have the little reindeer set and usually the float is there from the Santa Claus parade that the Town enters each year,” Coun. Coady-Davis said. “We usually have some other lit figurines, so we’re going to add to that this year and really try and step it up a little bit and make it a real Christmassy feel. “I am looking forward to that. I think it’s going to be nice.” Coun. Coady-Davis said residents are encouraged to get out and participate in the event, however, reminded there will be absolutely no parking in front of the fire hall and should instead park on the Public Works Depot side of the building. “We will have our Christmas carols with the Salvation Army band, they always come and play some beautiful music for us, and everybody looks forward to that,” she said. “With the children there getting their hot chocolate and their treat bags, they are usually really excited. All we need I guess is a little sprinkle of snow to add to the moment.” Council purchased new LED lights for the tree last year. In keeping with Christmas tradition and helping get people in the holiday mood, the Grand Falls Lions Club annual Santa Claus Parade will take place on Dec. 3, and the Keep Christ in Christmas Walk, which is co-sponsored by the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and the Knights of Columbus, will take place on Dec. 11 and will be leaving from the fire hall at 2:30 p.m.
