It’s almost Christmas, and that means it’s almost time for a Stettler tradition: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas.
Downtown businesses plan to offer free refreshments Monday night, and most will be open late.
“The Night Before the Night Before is the annual thank-you by downtown merchants to the people of Stettler for shopping local,” said Kurt Baker, a member of the Stettler Downtown Business Association.
Some of the free refreshments that are offered are hot chocolate, candy, tea, popcorn and cupcakes.
The Word of Life Church is also serving soup, chili, buns and apple cider from 5 to 7 p.m.
“The main thing is, it’s a social night,” Baker said.
There are other fun things going on, in addition to what’s offered by the downtown businesses.
There are free train rides four times throughout the day and riders have the chance to win $500 in Heart of Alberta dollars, which can only be spent locally, as well as other prizes.
There are two chances to catch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Jewel Theatre, as well as free hay rides from 5 to 8 p.m. Pickups are at the Christmas Tree intersection, Home Hardware and Lawlor Jewelry.
“It’s a beloved annual tradition,” Baker said.