(Photo: Elevate the Season, Facebook)

By Abby Zieverink

Christmas in sexsmith

‘Christmas in Sexsmith’ set to kick off holiday season next month

Oct 23, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The town of Sexsmith is gearing up for the Christmas season with its “Christmas in Sexsmith” event.

Mayor Kate Potter says the Christmas event sprouted from the pandemic last year, as they had to re-envision their annual town light up due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“What it ended up doing was really bringing together a number of different people and groups in the community that wanted to see an awesome Christmas event,” she said.

“This gives people the opportunity to visit with people that they might not see other times to really enjoy being together in a safe way, and really, yes, start the Christmas season with a bang.”

She says many community members said last year the event gave off a “Hallmark Christmas movie feel”, which is why she is very excited to start the Christmas season off with their event again this year.

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The Christmas in Sexsmith theme, as Potter describes, highlights handmade markets, including the farmers market and the Elevate the Season Market, as well as local businesses downtown.

She says fireworks, santa photos, street carolers and wagon rides are seen throughout the community with most of the event taking place outside.

“The markets are inside but what we encourage people to do is actually walk from place to place. We will have live music as well that is outside.”

The event is held from November 18-20, and is being held earlier than many events. Potter says this is because the Christmas season is a very busy time for many.

“I know that there’s a lot of different markets and activities that happen throughout the whole Christmas season, so by starting a little bit earlier, it gives us sort of a springboard for other regional events and community opportunities.”

One of the best parts of the Christmas event, as Potter suggests, is the town light up, which happens on the first day of the Christmas in Sexsmith event, lighting up all the Christmas lights that are hung throughout the downtown core.

“We love to sort of spread that cheer in last year especially because it was COVID people were discouraged, there were new restrictions that had come down at the beginning of December and lots of people couldn’t get together with family.”

She says this thinking, made them decide to keep the lights on until the end of January once they do the initial light up on November 18.

“We had lots of comments about how exciting it was, especially because it’s so dark for so long over the winter. Just any little bit of sparkle helps bring some joy and smiles to people’s lives.”