2015 Airdrie Festival of Lights Guide

20th Anniversary Commemorative Guide

2015

Glowing Nightly December 1 - 31 | 6pm - 9pm

airdriefestivaloflights.com

Congratulations & Thank you!

Each December, the Airdrie Festival of Lights volunteers provide the community with a wonderful display of lights and fun activities.

Mayor Peter Brown and Airdrie City Council members congratulate all of the volunteers and City staff who have worked together over the past 20 years on this great community festival.

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Did you know?

More than 150 local businesses have supported the Festival in the past 20 years

A Letter from the President

Welcome to our 20th year!

In October of 1996, City Alderman Stan Softley unveiled his vision to transform Nose Creek Park into a Christmas light display like no other. Needing an initial investment from community members of $70,000 for the overall $250,000 project, Stan and Festival organizers set in a motion an event designed to ‘put Airdrie on the map’. Stan believed that establishing a permanent Festival of Lights display would be a “boon to the City’s fortunes, both in terms of economics and community prestige”. He wanted the Festival to become an annual tradition for everyone.

It was all pretty simple, Stan believed • The festival would generate thousands of new dollars for retail merchants.

• Make Airdrie a destination point for visitors.

• The City would benefit from increased exposure, and improve their image. � • Non-profit community groups would benefit by sharing revenues generated.

• The festival would provide an ongoing financial legacy to the groups that helped the project succeed.

Twenty years later, the Airdrie Festival of Lights Society is still going strong! We can attest to the fact that, ‘If They Build It, They Will Come’ as we welcome our one-millionth visitor to the park this year.

While we have grown as an organization, we have not ventured from our roots.

We are very much volunteer run, we don’t charge admission, but rather ask for a donation from visitors of what they can afford. We seek relationships with the local business community of Airdrie for sponsorship dollars. We provide meaningful mentorship opportunities to the youth of Airdrie, and work closely with those wanting to better themselves with ministry or volunteer service hours, as well as youth and adult Justice groups requiring community service hours, and we even partner with Bowden Institution and their Work Release Program.

We at the Airdrie Festival of Lights Society believe Stan Softley and those first organizers would be extremely pleased and proud at how we have maintained their original vision, while growing and continuing to offer Airdrie and surrounding area a family-friendly, low-cost light festival that is so much more than your typical event! We want to shout our thanks from the rooftops of Airdrie and celebrate the AFOLS then and now.

Happy 20th anniversary!

Rob Pirzek President

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thinGs

to know Admission

Admission to the Festival of Lights is by cash donation – your donations are what keep us glowing.

Look for our donation stations around the park.

hours

The Airdrie Festival of Lights is open from 6 pm until 9 pm, every evening in December 2015, including Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

directions

To reach the Airdrie Festival of Lights: From Calgary and other locations south of Airdrie, take Deerfoot Trail and Highway 2 to the third Airdrie exit (Veteran’s Blvd); stay left on the exit and travel west about 1 kilometre, while moving to the inside (left) lane. Turn left at the traffic signals at Main Street, then travel 2.7 km south, and turn right into Nose Creek Park.

(You can also access the Festival from the first northbound Airdrie exit, which is a less scenic route.

From the first exit ramp, turn left, and travel west on (Yankee Valley Blvd) about 1 kilometre, to the traffic lights at Main Street. Turn right onto Main Street, and travel north about 1 kilometer, then turn left into Nose Creek Park.)

From Red Deer and locations north of Airdrie, take the first southbound exit into Airdrie, turn right off the ramp and travel west on Veterans’ Blvd. about 1 kilometer, while moving into the inside lane. Turn left at the Main Street traffic lights and then travel south 2.7 km, and turn right into Nose Creek Park.

If you use a GPS, enter Nose Creek Park, or Nose Creek Valley Museum at 1701 Main Street (the park is located directly behind the museum).

hAndicAP Access

A designated row is available just outside the parking lot for vehicles with Handicap permits. In addition, golf cart transportation, for those unable to walk through the Festival, is usually available, although it cannot be guaranteed or reserved. Availability depends on the number of visitors requesting their use and the number of volunteers available to drive.

Pets

Dogs on leashes are always welcome at the Airdrie Festival of Lights.

However, please be advised that pets are not allowed in the tent, where food may be served.

NO ATMS on site. Be prepared and stop at an ATM on your way to the park to enjoy the festivities.

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oriGins

did you know?

of the GLow STORY BY ALEX FRASER-HARRISON

more than $200,000 has been donated back in to the community from funds raised at the Festival

It started out as an odds-defying attempt to put Airdrie on the map. Twenty years later, the Airdrie Festival of Lights is one of the city’s most popular annual events.

“Airdrie was a bedroom community of Calgary and the only thing people would talk about was the hockey arena,” recalls Stan Softley, who in 1995 was an Airdrie alderman. “I felt we needed an identity.”

Inspiration came to Softley while visiting Salt Lake City. “The community put on a lights festival in their park – the cars would drive in and drive around,” he says. “I looked around Airdrie and thought, could we do this?”

Softley contacted the company that made the lights and ordered some for Airdrie (to the tune of about $300,000, he recalls), and began enlisting his colleagues on council and in the community.

“It’s the way Stan likes to operate – it got sprung on me,” laughs one-time fellow alderman Rey Rawlins. “He said he wanted to do this Festival of Lights thing, and he had the lights coming. The guy put himself on the line for it.”

John Whitrick came into the event in part, he says, due to his experience founding and running Airdrie’s Chautauqua summer festival.

“Stan said, ‘How would you like to be part of a winter festival?’” recalls Whitrick. “He was the one [who] showed me a drawing showing the park showing the arches – it wasn’t too badly thrown together and it got me going. He took a gamble and I think it paid off.”

ARCHIVED NEWS IMAGES FROM 1995

Like his colleagues, Whitrick, who worked for Nova at the time, devoted weekends and evenings to setting up that first year and recalls how late in the day the final planning came together. “It was October when we decided to do this – so that gave us two months to put it together,” he says. “In a way, it was a little bit like having the deer-in-the-headlights feeling. We didn’t have much chance to smell the roses; we were going full time.”

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Former AFOL President John Whitrick, circa 2005

AFOL Founder Stan Softley 2015

Adds Rawlins: “[Stan] picked one of the worst winters to start it and one of the coldest. There was probably skepticism on many people’s part. But Stan’s enthusiasm got to the rest of us!”

Softley recalls when the truck from South Carolina bearing the lights arrived in Airdrie. “The day we were going to unload the truck, it was -20 [degrees] and the wind was blowing and the snow was blowing – and we didn’t have that many people out to help,” he says. “The driver [from South Carolina] said he’d never seen such cold.”

Peter Pape was another early recruit. “I was allocated by the Chamber of Commerce to work on the festival, and I thought it was an absolutely great thing,” Pape says. “We struggled with manpower, with debt load – but if it wasn’t for the hard work of the people [who] were originally involved, it probably would have gone under. But they were determined to not let that happen.

“The first year,” Pape adds, “we got all the decorations and laid them on the ground [in position].

That night, it snowed 22 centimetres and buried everything.”

Ever resourceful, they quickly developed a foolproof system for finding the buried lights. “When you walked on the snow and heard the crunch of a bulb breaking, you knew it was the lights,” Softley says.

Alan Tennant, then a local Realtor (and today CEO of the Calgary Real Estate Board), started volunteering in 1999 and later took over from Softley as president of the non-profit Airdrie Festival of Lights Society.

At the time Tennant joined, a developer had purchased the parking lot used for the festival. “That property … was critically needed for parking,” he says. “The reason I got involved was I didn’t think [people] were concerned enough and should be going to city council … relocating the festival was not an option. I was part of the original Nose Creek Foundation that had raised money to put a park on that land, and I thought the festival was a perfect marriage.”

Softley, now 70 and living in Provo, Utah, is happy, “It’s done what I hope it would do – it’s made people proud.”

Softley is writing a book about his time in Airdrie, including the origin of the Festival of Lights, and says that he’s on the hunt for photos and people’s recollections about its early days. If you can help, please e-mail stan@flagsandstuff.com or write 276 N. University Ave., Provo, Utah, 84601-2821.

Read the full story and more memories from the original directors in the winter issue of airdrielife magazine or online at airdrielife.com

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Did you know?

Since we first bought a train more than 60,000 riders have toured the lights in style!

Trains

Take a ride on the NEW Festival Express!

Check out our awesome new ELECTRIC train complete with sound effects.

Ride in style through Nose Creek Park exploring the lights from the comfort of one of our three trains.

Train rides STILL ONLY $2 Children 2 and under ride free with an adult.

Note: In extreme cold the trains may not be operational.

Join us Dec 17 for the 4th annual great airdrie train race

Airdrie EMS and Airdrie Fire Department are in competition to raise the most funds by having you choose to ride their designated train. EMS is raising funds for Airdrie & District Victims Assistance and Airdrie Fire is supporting the Tim Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Take a ride and support two great causes!

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F I L E

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N A M E S

A R E

F O R

I N T E R N A L

U S E

O N LY

Did you know?

Since day one Santa has been making time in his busy schedule to appear at the Festival. Santa has arrived via car, truck, sleigh, train and even a camel!!

Santa’s in the house

The big man himself loves the Airdrie Festival of Lights and thanks to our many friends including Fountain Tire (Dec 5 & 23) and Big Ben Cleaning ( Dec 5 & 22), he is able to stop in and visit with kids of all ages on the following dates:

Dec 1, 5, 8, 15, 22, 23

Special thanks to Davis Chevrolet for getting Santa here!

sure AND be er your lett p o r d to in our to Santa ress exp special le (availab mailbox ight). ever y n

FREE KID’s activities every Tuesday Dec 1 - 22 with Community Links Join us in the warm tent for fun hands-on Christmas themed activities.

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Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the staff of 203-304 Main St Square.

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december 2015 SUNDAY

mONDAY

TUESDAY

1 Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony 5:30 pm - 6 pm Lights On 6:00 pm - 9 pm Community Links Kid’s Activities 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, sponsored by Mattamy Homes

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Community Links Kid’s Activities 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, sponsored by Mattamy Homes GMHS Fine Arts Program 7 pm Santa Visit 7 pm - 8 pm

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Grace Caroling Crooners 7 pm - 8 pm

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Community Links Kid’s Activities 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, sponsored by Mattamy Homes Santa Visit 7 - 8 pm

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Community Links Kid’s Activities 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, sponsored by Mattamy Homes Santa Visit 7 - 8 pm Sponsored by Big Ben Cleaning

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WEDNESDAY

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THURSDAY

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FRIDAY

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Story Time 6:30 pm - 7 pm, presented by the Airdrie Public Library

SATURDAY

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Santa Claus Parade 5 pm Main Street 20th Anniversary Celebration 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Santa Visit 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm, sponsored by Fountain Tire & Big Ben Cleaning

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Nose Creek Players – Storybook Characters 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

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4th Annual Great Airdrie Train Race 6 pm - 9 pm Story Time 6:30 pm - 7 pm, presented by the Airdrie Public Library

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Grace Caroling Crooners 7 pm - 8 pm

Movies in the Park 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, sponsored by Bow Valley Credit Union. Playing – “Jingle All The Way”

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Illusionist Steve Harmer presented by Grace Baptist Church - check website for times

W.H. Croxford High School Band Performance 7 pm - 9:00 pm

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Santa Visit 7 pm - 8 pm, sponsored by Fountain Tire

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Yes, we’re open!

Yes, we’re open!

Yes, we’re open!

31 Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Party 7 pm - 9 pm at Nose Creek Park Fireworks Offsite at Ed Eggerer Park 6:30 pm

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Did you know?

Each candle in the park takes 8 hours to strip, piant and restring with approx. 110’ of wire and 225 bulbs!

Light displays

A walk through Nose Creek Park during our festival is truly a wonder with all of our bright displays glowing in the evening air every night including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Special thanks to our display sponsors Tim Hortons, FortisAlberta and Precise Pruning.

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Did you know?

We think there are more than 150,000 bulbs lit up in the park. We’ve never actually counted them but if you do tell us!!

We have spent the last five years converting them all to LED.

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Did you know?

We have broadcast approximately 1860 hours of Christmas music throughout Nose Creek Park!

Tree of hope

During the month of November The Airdrie & District Hospice Society is taking pledges to honour the memory of loved ones passed or to offer greetings of hope to those suffering. All proceeds from the pledges support the programming needs of the Airdrie & District Hospice Society. Please join us on Monday, December 1 at 5:30 pm inside the main Festival Tent for a special nondenominational service and lighting of the Tree of Hope.

The tree will remain lit every night during the 2015 Airdrie Festival of Lights December 1 - 31 from 6 pm - 9 pm Please check airdriehospice.ca for details and how to make your pledge.

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Name our New Mascot!

WIN A family pack of 6 hot chocolate and train rides and a $100 gift card for your favourite Airdrie store courtesy airdrielife. Go to airdrielife.com or follow airdrielife on Facebook to enter Contest closes midnight Nov 30.

We`ll unveil our mascot`s new name at the opening night festivities Saturday Dec 5.

Watch for our new mascot all month long and get your glowing hugs in!

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Hot Chocolate After 20 years we still only charge $2 for hot chocolate! We estimate we have served more than 60,000 cups of hot chocolate since 1996!

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Did you know?

this movie was released in theatres the same year the Festival opened? Coincidence?

We think not!

Movies

Christmas Classic on the big screen!

Saturday December 12 6:30 pm Join us for a special holiday movie experience.

Feature Presentation: “Jingle all the Way� starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Brought to you by our friends at

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Did you know?

We have burned nearly 10,240 cubic feet of wood to keep our visitors warm.

Firepits Our firepits are always roaring during cold weather to keep you and your loved ones cozy between your strolls around the park. (Bring your own marshmallows!)

Many thanks to our firepit sponsors for keepings us warm!

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did you know?

more than 42,000 volunteer hours have been donated since the Festival started.

20th AnniversAry festivities!

Saturday Dec 5 6:30 pm Welcome Santa and Mrs Claus as they arrive on a horse drawn carriage with RCMP escort!

Live performances by Hoop-Di-Do, special speeches and the announcement of our new mascot name!

Then join the bandmates of All Day Sugar as they lead carols around the campfire at 7:30 pm

voLunteers Volunteers are the core of who we are! We simply can’t glow without you. In 2014, we had five fundraising groups, who in turn raised a total of $7,600 for their group’s activities by donating 2135.5 volunteer hours. We were also able to donate back into the community over $1,200 through other various non-profit initiatives and organizations. With this being our 20th season, the need for volunteers is even higher this year. We are able to accommodate all ages and abilities.

Give three hours of your December to us and help spread the glow!!! Register online at airdriefestivaloflights.com or 403.912-XMAS

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sPonsors

Airdrie Festival of Lights thanks our awesome sponsors. You are helping us shine brightly in 2015!

briGht LiGht sPonsors red

Goodmen Roofing

bLue

orAnGe

yeLLow

suPer GLow sPonsors fire Pits

sAntA trAnsPortAtion

movies in the PArk

voLunteer ProGrAm kid’s Activities

airdrielife

mediA sPonsors

Airdrie CityView

Airdrie Echo

AIR106|Discover Airdrie

There is still time to join our sponsorship team!

Check our website for information on how you can keep us glowing brightly!

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friends of the festivAL

Our thanks to these amazing companies and individuals who help us with their expertise, products and services Ackland Grainger Air-Alta Fencing Airdrie Waste Big Ben Cleaning Can West Propane City of Airdrie Community Links Can West Propane & Equipment Rentals Deidra Page Eaton Electric Frog Media Inc iEvolve Photo Rebel Transport Volunteer Airdrie Western Generator

GrAnts

City of Airdrie – Community Initiative Fund

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