Airdrie Festival of Lights

2011 FESTIVAL GUIDE airdriefestivaloflights.com

Still Glowing, Now Growing!

GLOWING NIGHTLY December 1 - 31, 2011 • 6 pm - 9 pm

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nce again it’s time to make memories with your family and friends, at the Airdrie Festival of Lights, presented by VESTA.

Welcome

Every night from December 1st through December 31st you can share wonderful moments as you take in the many bright and beautiful light displays that colourfully illuminate Nose Creek Park in Airdrie. You’ll all enjoy walking among the displays on the pathways in the park, experiencing the spirit of the season as you never could at a drive-by display. Take a moment to reflect on that experience as you stand by an open fire sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

Your experience will be heightened even more if you take a ride on Santa’s Express or Polar Express, our miniature riding trains. Be sure to get pictures of the kids sitting on the train, waiting to hear the bell and feel the wheels under them start rolling.

Drop into our Co-op Kids Club Activity Tent for additional experiences. New this year is our MarketPlace, featuring craft and home-based businesses with unique ideas for Christmas gifts, and Movie Nights, featuring outstanding short films that will entertain everyone in your family. Your family will also love the Singing Santa’s Magical Christmas Show, the Story of the Manger, Christmas sing-a-long and other musical presentations.

We’re thrilled to report that caricaturist Kelly Gannon is returning again this year to draw free portraits, thanks to sponsor Airdrie Dental Studio.

We’re also welcoming back the food vendors that you’ve enjoyed so much in previous years.

What won’t be back this year are the fireworks we traditionally present on opening night and New Year’s Eve. For several years now, we’ve found it increasingly difficult to present them safely. And since we can’t be sure of your safety, we’ve made the hard decision to take them out of our lineup.

At the same time, we’re developing new displays that promise at least a “Wow!”, no matter when you visit.

The Airdrie Festival of Lights welcomes everyone, including those who might be challenged to walk through the Festival. And, you can bring along your dog, on a leash (please note, though, that dogs are not allowed in the tent for food hygiene reasons).

We welcome bus tours, with reserved parking for coaches. Why not make arrangements to share the Airdrie Festival of Lights with members of your club, church, or group?

Admission and parking are free, as always, but the Festival of Lights is operated by an independent, non-profit organization and depends on your donations to keep glowing and growing. Donation barrels can be found near the entrance, beside our Poinsettia Arch.

Again this year, we at the Airdrie Festival of Lights Society thank the many volunteers who do almost all the work involved in planning and operating the Festival; the City of Airdrie and the Province of Alberta; our sponsors and friends in the business community and among Airdrie churches, and especially our title sponsor, VESTA Properties.

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We look forward to seeing you at the Festival, and wish you a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season!

Bob Abbott, President

HOURS

Things to know

The Airdrie Festival of Lights is open from 6 pm until 9 pm, every evening in December 2011, 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, 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 number of parking spots immediately adjacent to the Festival displays are reserved 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 is served.

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December

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

FREE Hot Chocolate to the first 100 guests from our friends at CIBC Santa’s Visits sponsored by Excel Homes, A&W and McDonalds Caricature Artist Kelly Gannon, Sponsored by AIRDRIE DENTAL STUDIO

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Christmas MarketPlace 2-9 pm

Grace Baptist Church Choir Sing-a-long 6-7pm MERRY CHRISTMAS 25 from the AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS SOCIETY

Season’s Greetings The Sojourners December 3, 2011

ert Conc ake ts m ticke gifts! great

April Verch Band February 10, 2012

Will Stroet February 4, 2012

The Bert Church Live Theatre 403-948-8824 1010 East Lake Blvd • Airdrie, AB T4A 0H5 www.thebertchurchtheatre.com

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WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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SATURDAY

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Opening Ceremonies

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PROPAK Christmas MarketPlace 2-9 pm

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9 Truth Church Musical Performance 7:30- 9:00

Christmas Classics 10 on the Big Screen, Sponsored by Bow Valley Credit Union 7pm

Carvin Entertainment 16 presents Singing Santa’s Magical Christmas Show 1st show 6:30; 2nd show 7:30

Carvin Entertainment 17 presents Singing Santa’s Magical Christmas Show 1st show 6:30; 2nd show 7:30

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St. Francis of Assisi Truth Church Christmas presents The Story of the Eve Service 4:00 - 5:30 Manger 7:00 pm EVERYBODY WELCOME!

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31 Last night to take in the lights!

Thank You Airdrie Festival of Lights for being a valued part of our community. ~ Airdrie City Council and Staff

May peace and happiness be yours this holiday season 7

Train Rides

The Festival of Lights is best seen through the wonder of a child’s eyes and what better way than to hop on board one of the VESTA Express Trains! VESTA, who also is the title sponsor of the Festival has sponsored our trains for five years now – thank you!

Train rides are available every night but if the weather is too inclement we may have to postpone rides – our conductors will freeze too!

Train Rides $2 Children under 2 ride FREE with an adult.

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Visit with Santa!

Santa is in the park December 3, 4, 9, 11, 19, 20 and 21 Santa’s visits are generously sponsored by our friends at A&W, Excel Homes and McDonalds Santa’s transportation is provided by Airdrie Chrysler.

FREE Hot Chocolate Be one of the first 100 visitors to the park on December 1 and 20 and you can score a FREE hot chocolate from the staff at CIBC.

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Light up every season of the year by living in Ravenswood.

When it comes to looking for a family friendly community in Airdrie, you have a few options.

But when it comes to a stylish one that’s family centric, there’s really only one choice.

Ravenswood. With its attention to design throughout the neighbourhood it can definitely be crowned Airdrie’s fashionable district. And with starter homes from the 290’s and move-ups from the 380’s you don’t want to be fashionably late getting in either.

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Marketplace Join us on our official opening ceremonies December 3 for the Propak Festival Marketplace with a great selection of holiday gift ideas from home-based and selected merchants. During the evening look for great entertainment throughout the park and a visit from YOU KNOW WHO!!!

Special marketplace hours: December 3 and 4, 2 pm - 9pm

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See the Lights of the Festival Come to Life!

Look for special new displays of lights animated to music presented by the City of Airdrie and Propak. Presenting a brand new display of animated lights - synchronized light and sound excitement!

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Movie Night Bow Valley Credit Union is pleased to present a special night of holiday classics on the big screen right in the park!

Grab a hot chocolate and join us at the Co-op Kids Club Activity Tent.

How the Grinch Sto le s C hris tma

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Ru do lp h

Fros ty the Snowman

FREE Caricatures

One of the most popular additions to the park in recent years is our favourite artist Kelly Gannon and his caricature creations. Meet Kelly inside the Co-op Kids Club Activity Tent for your own whimsical portrait. It’s FREE courtesy our friends at the Airdrie Dental Studio.

(But please feel free to make a donation to the Festival if you are having a great night!)

KELLY IS AVAILABLE: December 2,5-9,12-15,19-22,26,27,29,30

Fires by the Lights Warm yourself nightly by our cozy fire pits located in the park. Thanks to our sponsors Excel Homes and Airdrie Honda for keeping us warm all month long!

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FAMILY VALUE

LIVES HERE

ReunionAirdrie.com

Come and Visit

the Co-op Kids Club Activity Tent Inside you will find friendly volunteers ready to help your litle ones make a fun edible craft a marshmallow snowman!

You can get a caricature done by Kelly Gannon and grab some popcorn and mini donuts!

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Warm wishes this Holiday Season to our Clients and the Residents of Airdrie We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

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REFRESHMENTS

Make the most of your evening at the Festival with snacks and hot drinks. As always, you can sip a cup of hot chocolate while warming yourself beside an open fire.

And how about a few delicious mini-donuts or some popcorn to go along with that hot chocolate?

The Airdrie Festival of Lights treats your stomach as well as your eyes!

DONATIONS

YOU CAN HELP US GLOW

The Airdrie Festival of Lights is put on by a non-profit society that depends on donations, train rides, sponsorships, and grants.

Without your donations, we could no longer offer free admission or perhaps even continue to put on the Festival each year.

Please help when you visit us, by leaving a donation in one of the designated boxes near the Poinsetta Arch. We can provide tax receipts for donations of $20 or more if you let us know in advance.

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12 drummers drumming 11 pipers piping 10 lords a leaping 9 ladies dancing 8 maids a milking 7 swans a swimming 6 geese a laying 5 golden rings 4 ..................

3 french hens 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

We bring you the best of Airdrie every February, May, August and November( it’s like 4 more Christmases!)

Construction & Maintenance Services For a comprehensive list of the services we offer please visit www.techmationelectric.com

24 Hours On Call Service

403.243.0993 PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS! Approved Contractor with:

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Penguin Village

The Penguin Village is one of our fun displays and it’s great that Vitreous sponsors our playful penguins in recognition of the great team at Community Links.

North Pole

Tim Hortons sponsors our largest display – The North Pole has more pieces than any other display in the park! That is a lot of lights – thank goodness Tim Hortons is here to keep the North Pole glowing brightly.

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Candyland

Candyland is a favourite backdrop for photos and yes even weddings! Thanks to our friends in Ravenswood, Candyland is glowing brightly for you.

Poinsettia Arch

Our wonderful poinsettia arch has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors over the years.

Many thanks to our sponsor Van Houtte.

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Santa Takes Flight

Santa Takes Flight is one of our animated displays and favourite of children of all ages. The reindeer are ready to take Santa on his big journey but they couldn’t do it without all the glowing help from RBC Airdrie.

Village Shops

The Village Shops are one of our original displays. A streetscape of shops is so appropriate for our sponsor Paragon Drugs, since they are an active member of Airdrie’s downtown core!

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™

Woodland Fantasy

Woodland Fantasy is a breathtaking display of magically lit trees, snowflakes and if you look carefully a deer might be grazing nearby. Thanks to ATCO GAS, Woodland Fantasy is a reality for your enjoyment all month long.

NATIVITY

Our Nativity scene is another favourite of photographers. Perched on the south hillside, it overlooks the whole Festival. Our many thanks to the community of local churches who sponsor this majestic display: Grace Baptist Church Airdrie United Church St Francis of Assisi Anglican Church Living Springs Christian Fellowship Truth Church

VOLUNTEERS Since our beginnings in 1996, the Festival of Lights has glowed with the spirit of volunteerism. Each year, volunteers contribute literally thousands of hours to plan, set up, operate, and take down all the light displays and almost everything moveable you see in Nose Creek Park.

Some participate as individuals, while others participate as members of fund-raising, non-profit groups.

Regardless of how, everyone at the Festival has given their time and effort to make this event the success it is today. Special thanks to our volunteer groups, St Martin de Porres High School Band, George McDougall Fine Arts Program, and the volunteer sponsor, ATCO GAS (thanks to ATCO GAS for the fine vests, mitts, and toques provided to our team).

“Supporting events such as the Airdrie Festival of Lights is important to our company because it promotes collaboration, community and celebration. ATCO Gas also values the importance of recognizing the people who help make these community events seem effortless – our volunteers – and ATCO Gas is pleased to be the Volunteer Sponsor for 2011. Volunteers donate their time and energy to create an experience that radiates in the hearts of the whole community. With their commitment, the Airdrie Festival of Lights shines more brightly!”

If you’d like to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.

We also welcome inquiries from groups that would like to raise funds.

Please send an email to volunteer.afol@gmail, call 403-912-XMAS (9627), or send us a message through our website www.airdriefestivaloflights.com

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Airdrie, Alberta • Supply & Haul Sand & Gravel • Oilfield Construction Heavy Equipment Hauling • Site Grading & Excavation • Commercial Truck & Trailer Inspections

Who took those cool photos?

Rod Wood is a retired graphic designer who has always had a passion for photography. He has a Fine Arts background but spends his creative time these days behind a digital camera.

He has fallen for the new technology which frees him to express himself like never before.

Rod’s photos appear on the cover, and pages 5, 13 and 30

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2011

Airdrie Festival of Lights!

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Friends of the Festival Without our Friends of the Festival, there would be no glow.

Thanks to these organizations, who generously donate products and services of many kinds, our Festival has grown into one of Canada’s top winter festivals. We thank them sincerely, and invite your organization to become a Friend of the Festival as well, by calling 403-912-XMAS (9627) Airdrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Sprinter Airdrie Waste City of Airdrie Carvin Entertainment Group Common Wolf Electric Community Facilities Enhancement Grants, Province of Alberta Community Spirit Grants, Province of Alberta Community Links Full Score Sound Design Home Building Centre Nose Creek Valley Museum Precise Pruning Rangeland Truck & Crane Rebel Transport TDR Marketing, Alberta Tourism The UPS Store U-Haul (Canada) Western Generator Woodside Golf Course W.R. Scott Equipment

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Media Sponsors Spreading the word, or the light, is a big job and one we could never do without the exceptional support of our media sponsors:

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The Season just got a whole lot brighter.

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