Light up the Village is a tradition that began with a few string lights in the WDM Heritage Village back in 2017. (File photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Martin Martinson

Merry and Bright

WDM set to Light up the Village this holiday season

Dec 1, 2020 | 5:10 PM

As the calendar flips to December and the holiday season takes hold, Battlefords residents have the opportunity to get into the festive spirit, with Light up the Village.

Light up the Village is an annual event, hosted by the Western Development Museum (WDM), featuring a bright and seasonal twist on the museum’s Heritage Village. Opening Dec. 1, the event will run nightly to Jan. 9, 2021.

Sales and catering manager with the WDM, Shirley Maze said – now heading into its fourth year – the event has grown to be bigger and brighter than ever, thanks to a number of community businesses stepping up to sponsor the seasonal celebration.

“This year we’ve had people come forward with sponsorship that has allowed us to purchase way more lights and I think the displays this year are phenomenal,” Maze said. “From where we started a few years ago with basically a few sets of lights, to where we are now, we’re thrilled.”

Maze said support shown by the community has been nothing short of overwhelming, following a difficult year.

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“It’s been really tough this year, on everybody,” she said. “[The museum] had to close our doors for a bit just like everybody else. We haven’t had any events and all our weddings were cancelled, so being able to go forward with this event, and having people come forward to donate money… it truly means the world to us.”

“All we want to do is bring some joy into people’s lives. That’s it, that’s our goal; so it really means so much to see [all the community support] and hopefully we can do just that.” – Shirley Maze

Maze said the museum is just grateful to be able to host the event again this year, which allows the community a chance to come together, even if in separate cars, to celebrate the Christmas season.

“It’s an opportunity to get taken back in time and bring some nostalgia back for people,” she said, “You can come here and get a feel-good emotion when you leave. It warms your heart to see some lights and bring back the Christmas spirit.”

Light up the Village will run from Dec. 1 to Jan. 9, nightly from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., excluding Stat Holidays.

Funds raised from the event will go towards repairs and renovations of buildings in the village, including the brick building which will be the primary focus this year.

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1