The Stettler Town and Country Museum was decorated with lights and had a festive look about it on Friday, Dec. 2 as it hosted its third annual "Light the Night" with 50 participating businesses from in and around town.
"This is one of our major fundraisers and I personally created the event with the blessings of the Museum board," said Karen Wahlund, manager at the Stettler Museum. "Light the Night is an event that the community could participate in and have different festive activities to do."
As the two years went along, local businesses and community starting participating to put up lighted displays for a nominal fee to advertise and create awareness of their services.
In 2014 there were 14 businesses with 465 vehicles visiting the museum grounds to see the displays; in 2015 that tripled to 45 businesses with 640 vehicles visiting and this year there were 50 businesses with a good number of vehicles going through the displays, although they were a little down from last year's 640.
"ATCO Electric kindly comes in to put up and take down the lights on three of the trees and the barn," Wahlund added. "Some awesome community volunteers light up areas for businesses with no time and want to participate or just decorate to participate in the Christmas spirit and cheer."
Some of the volunteers who have been a great help over the years are are Kathy Thomas, Kathy Rairdan and Norma Rairdan among others.
"The County of Stettler plough and sand the loop to keep everyone safe, while Jim Long and Antique Tractor Club provide hayrides when the weather permits," explained Wahlund. "I am also thankful to Allan Willis who helps with the printing of the handouts, Kaysi Strome who is fulfilling our photo album with some awesome shots and of course all our staff who put in countless hours."
Wahlund said she believes in this time of the year.
"I truly love the Christmas season and really don't mind the extra work outdoors," Wahlund added. "Although there's a forecast of severe cold weather, I believe what we've done is a great pat on the back for all of us and we want the event to improve from year to year."
Wahlund said that her team hopes that if they can bring up the number of vehicles from outside town, it would be a great achievement.
"Hopefully as another year rolls around, the event will keep increasing with participants and all those who are coming to see the display of lights," Wahlund explained. "As this is a fundraiser for the museum, we appreciate cash donations, which will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the facility. We're also accepting Food Bank donations."
Even though the next few weekends may be cold, "Light the Night" is open Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas and will also be open from Dec. 21 – 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. each day.