Carl Epp began building the nativity scene in November. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Festive Season

Celebration of Christmas includes elaborate ice sculptures and lights displays in tri-communities

Dec 22, 2020 | 12:00 PM

Whether its to remember the true meaning of Christmas or simply get into the festive season, tri-community residents haven’t held back when it comes to celebrating the holiday.

One such resident who felt compelled to create an ice sculpture in his yard is Carl Epp who lives on Thompson Crescent in La Ronge. It was the first time he had undertook such an endeavour and his sculpture of snow and ice features a nativity scene complete with the Three Wise Men, Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph.

“With everything that is going on in our world, inside me of all sudden I was inspired,” Epp said. “I want to present a message of hope to people in general, I just didn’t know how I could do it.”

Through his sculpture, Epp wanted residents to know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and how He died on the cross for the sins of mankind.

Epp began building the sculpture in the last week of November and he finished the project Dec. 19. He did have some issues with warm weather, however, as two weeks ago the walls collapsed and a figure began leaning over. Epp was able to repair those sections and even include an LED light to illuminate his work.

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Kevin Roberts, who lives on Charles Street in Bell’s Point, has once again lit his yard with an array of lights and decorations. His display features massive inflatable figures, as well as countless strands of coloured lights. Roberts noted the display has been up for about three weeks.

Kevin Roberts has been decorating his home for many years. (Submitted photo/Kevin Roberts)

“It’s just to be festive and start getting excited for Christmas Day,” he said. “People stop in out front on the road and just have a quick look. Usually as we get closer to Christmas, the traffic gets to be a little bit more.”

Roberts plans on maintaining his collection, adding if there are any problems or if anything breaks, he replaces the item. He also explained the lights become more elaborate every year and, sometimes while he’s travelling, he’ll find more decorations to add to his yard.

“It’s just to get into the season and, by putting lights out there, people see it so maybe it encourages them to maybe do something and put up lights on their end,” Roberts said.

Both men entered the La Ronge and District Chamber of Commerce Christmas lights and snow sculpture draw. Vice-President Sonny Montilla said residents from each of the tri-communities have entered and he’s been impressed by what he’s seen. Entries for the draw closed Dec. 21.

“After we receive all the entries, we’re going to put out a map so that everyone … will know exactly where the Christmas lights are,” he said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @saskjourno