Journey with Santa
Students brighten up the stage with their performance. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Students at A.L. Horton School transformed the gymnasium into a merry and bright atmosphere when they performed A Vegreville Christmas Concert on December 17.
Emcees narrated the script where they announced that the children were rushing home for the Christmas Lightup and they encounter the Big Guy in Red near the world’s largest Easter egg who took them on a magical tour through the wonders of the holidays.
This adventure include children dancing the Blitzen’s Boogie, Santa leading them to a group of children who look sad because they want to build a snowman but there isn’t any snow so, Frosty the Snowman eventually appears.
Cultural expression was included where young performers sang an Inuit song about courage and survival, a couple of Ukrainian carols, and a French song. The LINKS Connection Class showed a video they made where students made crafts for the tree
Journey with SantaCONTINUED ON PAGE 18
WHAT’S INSIDE
Mental Health in Crisis
Michelle Pinon News
Advertiser
An eye-opening presentation on mental health was recently presented to board members and representatives with Vegreville & District Family & Community Support Services (FCSS).
Justin Curtis, who is town council’s FCSS representative, shared many details of the presentation during his report to council during the Nov. 25 regular meeting.
He explained that RCMP Liaison Officer Sarah Desmond did an environmental
response in Vegreville relies heavily on RCMP, EMS and hospital emergency department which strains the staff there. There’s no place for anyone having a mental illness episode, so they have to be
transported elsewhere, whether it’s Ponoka or St. Paul depends on how much room
According to Vegreville RCMP, there were 4,122 calls to RCMP or files open in 2022. Of that, 254 were for mental health related cases. In 2023, there were 3,773 calls, 283 resulting in mental health cases. “They also divided up what type of call or crime. Mental health follows second behind traffic violations. As far as the workload itself, mental health accounts for
14 percent of all the work RCMP does…. It’s pretty eye-opening. That’s an increase of 11 percent over the last year.” He also noted that most of the mental health calls come in between Midnight and 1 am. It was also pointed out that a lot of people with mental health challenges get bounced around between different organizations, as providers don’t know who can best address the crisis element. As well, there is a lack of adequately trained resources. While officers are trained to help assess and diffuse situations, Curtis said that is only part of it. While there is one RCMP office and a mental health nurse assigned to mental health response, they have to cover a large region that includes St. Paul, Two Hills, Smoky Lake, and Vegreville.
Mayor MacPhee pointed out that if one of the two personnel are sick or not available or on maternity leave as currently is the case, then that hinders usage. That point was made during the Alberta Municipalities convention this past fall in Red Deer. MacPhee said, “I talked with K Division and they feel this area is very unsupported, and we feel that way too. So, I think in the first quarter of 2025 we’ll bring in the liaison officer. Let’s start a conversation. Let’s start lobbying.” Curtis agreed that advocacy was a very good idea.
Province Mandating Policing Committees
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Beginning on March 1, 2025, every community in Alberta served by the RCMP will be required to have policing governance bodies.
Those governance bodies were outlined in a Nov. 20 letter by Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. For example:
Communities with a population of 15,000 or greater, policed under a Municipal Police Service Agreement would be required to establish a Municipal Policing Committee (MPC) through bylaws by March 1, 2025. MPC’s would consist of three to seven members appointed by the municipality’s council. The Minister could also appoint committee members based on the size of the committee.
Communities with a population of less than 15,000 and over 5,000 people would be required to establish a Regional Policing Committee (RPC). Each RCMP district is a region (eg/ south, central, east and west) and each region contains five to 10 municipalities required to work with other communities in the same RCMP district to form an RPC. It was noted that: Communities may opt out of an RPC in favour of establishing their own municipal committee or a joint committee with another municipality with ministe-rial approval.
under the RPC. Because of the RCMP district Vegreville falls under, RPC would include other communities such as: Bonnyville, St. Paul, Wainwright, Lac La Biche County, and Slave Lake.
Mayor Tim MacPhee said it would make more sense to form its own regional policing committee with its municipal neighbours i.e. County of Minburn and Town of Mundare that are also served by the Vegre-ville RCMP detachment.
Coun. Taneen Rudyk said the Town of Vegreville has overlapping interests with local communities. “I feel like this is the province responding to people’s concern about wanting to be able to direct policing more intimately, but there’s no assurance that that’s actually going to happen. “
Coun. Lemko said policing in the other areas like Slave Lake and Barrhead and other places have differences in policing compared to Vegreville and felt it would be better to form its own RPC.
MacPhee suggested reaching out to the County of Minburn and Town of Mundare to see if they’d be interested in being a part of an RPC.
At the Dec. 10 Town of Mundare regular meeting, the idea was floated around and a motion was passed indicating they would potentially be interested in joining an RPC with Vegreville. Since the Town of Mundare falls under 5,000 and is mandated to be part of Provincial Police Advisory Board that may or may not be possible.
This letter was presented and discussed by members of Vegreville town council at its Dec. 3 Legislative Committee Meeting and its Dec. 9 Council Meeting.
Under the governance model, the Town of Vegreville would fall
MacPhee and several other members of council said they would be gathering more information through a webinar and report back to council before making a decision.
Coun. Justin Curtis. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)
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ARRIVE SAFELY
END IMPAIRED DRIVING END
Every year, the festive season is sadly overshadowed by car accidents that could have been avoided. A large percentage of collisions involve drivers who have been drinking over the legal limit or taking drugs. season limit Plan ahead! No one wants to be part of another statistic or have someone’s death on their conscience for the rest of their life. In 2024, there are no excuses for driving under the influence. You have plenty of choices to avoid putting your own safety and that of others at risk. 2024, are putting that
Be Prepared: Be Prepared:
It’s widely known that drugs and alcohol impair your judgement. Despite this reality, some individuals who’ve consumed these substances may believe they’re fit to drive when actually they’re not. In short, if you’ve had any amount of alcohol or smoked or ingested cannabis, its not safe to rely on your own judgement. and
Here are a few options to consider for a safe holiday season and new year:
•Call a taxi.
•Designate a non-drinking person to drive you home.
•Use a designited driver service.
•Arrange to sleep at the party venue or stay somewhere within walking distance. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
A Soldier’s Christmas Poem
This is a great poem that gets passed around alot at Christmas. Many serving in the military as well as our first responders spend many holidays away from home.
Twas the night before Christmas He lived all alone in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
Everyone one of us that have the priviladge to enjoy a free Christmas at home with our families should say a prayer each night for those soliders on the front lines. On Christmas we should say two.
The face was so gentle, the room is such disorder, not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I ‘d just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn’t control it I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still and we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, “Carry on Santa, It’s Christmas day, all is secure.”
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. “Merry Christmas my friend and to all a good night.”
Crossroads Economic Development Alliance
Submitted
The Crossroads Economic Development Alliance (CEDA) has successfully completed a comprehensive regional Business Retention and Expansion study, with the find-ings now set to play a pivotal role in shaping CEDA’s regional economic development framework.
The study featured three key components: an online survey for business owners and representatives, in-person business visits, and a community survey for residents of the County of Minburn, the Town of Vegreville, and the Villages of Innisfree and Mannville. Participation was robust, with 77 online surveys completed by business representatives, 106 face-to-face business visitations conducted, and 267 responses collected from the community survey.
To encourage participation, CEDA
offered respondents a chance to win a local Advertising and IT Support Package valued at nearly $4,000; generously sponsored by Vegreville News Advertiser, VM Systems, and Country 106.5. The winner, Zenith Komarniski, Owner/ Operator of Budget Floors in Vegreville, was randomly selected and awarded the prize package on December 13.
“I’d like to thank all of the business owners and residents who took the time to complete these surveys. This valuable insight will guide our strategic priorities and projects as the Crossroads Economic Development Alliance charts a course of action for 2025 and beyond,” stated Kathy Dmytriw, CEDA Economic Development Consultant.
The survey data is currently being compiled into a comprehensive report, which will be presented to the CEDA board in early 2025. Shortly thereafter, the report will be made publicly available.
The Crossroads Economic Development Alliance is a regional economic development partnership involving the County of Minburn, the Town of Vegreville, and the Villages of Innisfree and Mannville. Established in 2024 through a successful joint application for the Alberta Communities Partnership Grant, CEDA is guided by one elected official from each participating municipality and Bob
CEDA Completes Regional Survey to Drive Business Growth and
Bezpalko, Executive Director of Alberta HUB.
From L-R: CEDA Economic Development Consultant Kathy Dmytriw presents the sponsorship certificate to winner Budget Floors Owner/Operator Zenith Komarniski, Vegreville News Advertiser News Correspondent Rosanne Fortier, Country 106.5 Station Manager Jeff Dyck. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)
90 Years Ago – December 26, 1934
Since the loss of the Lloydminster arena by fire last Thursday, there have been numerous inquiries regarding the future of the Lloydminster hockey club. Word has just been received from Mr. G. M. Cook, who is a member of the league executive, that the Lloyd. the club intends to complete its schedule of games in the Big 4. Mr. Cook stated that construction of a new arena would probably be started within a few days and completed about February 1st in time for the provincial playoff series.
Urging that members do not go about the nomination of their officers in a haphazard manner, but that they do it thoughtfully.
A.W. Fraser, president of the Chamber of Commerce, announced at Monday’s meeting that he would not consider taking the office for another year. Mr. Fraser asked for an expression of opinion from the Chamber as to the advisability of changing of presidents every year. “We should give some of the younger members of our organization an opportunity,” he said.
74 Years Ago – December 28, 1949
A former Alberta grain buyer who helped finance Turner Valley’s first producing oil well said in an interview here he believes gold is a more important factor than oil in Canada’s economy. James A. Robb of New York, director of the North Inca Gold Mines Limited, said Yellowknife, N.W.T., is in the heart of the richest potential gold mining area in the world. Only the surface has been scratched in development which someday will be enormous there, he said.
Prairie farmers were believed to be holding enough grain in storage on their farms to fill Canada’s foreign commitments, grain exports said here. Estimates placed the amount of grain held on farms at 75,000,000 bushels, they said. They placed the amount of wheat in prairie elevators at some 85,000,000 bushels. Difference of opinion as to why farmers were holding up grain despite appeals from federal government officials, including Rt. Hon. C. D. Howe, trade and commerce minister, for increased deliveries to elevators. Some authorities believed the farmers wanted to hold the grain until next year for income tax purposes, while others thought the lack of storage space in elevators was the reason for the tie-up.
Heat sufficient to produce steam can be found in the earth at a depth of 12,720 feet.
50 Years Ago – December 26, 1974
Alberta Senator Earl Hastings this week announced federal government approval of Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation loan contribution totaling $64,650 to the Vegreville Association of the Mentally Handicapped for a special care home in Vegreville. The loan, which includes a federal contribution of $6,465 will assist in the construction of a 7-bed home for Mentally Handicapped adults. The structure will consist of a one-story single detached home with a garage.
Christmas decorations abound in Vegreville at this time of the year and the brightly lit Main Street and Highway is an indication of the pending holiday season. Homes too, have taken on a Christmas look with many of the citizens decorating windows, roofs, and shrubbery with festive lights, caricatures, and mood scenes.
The Vegreville High School’s Reach for the Top team won both of their matches during the competition at the high school. The Vegreville Composite High School team which consisted of Calvin Melnyk, Keith Steinbach, Arnie Olyan, and Craig Jones won over Jerome’s High School from Vermilion with 465 points to 260. In the match against Mannville, the local team scored 615 points to Mannville’s 405.
25 Years Ago – December 21, 1999
The annual Ken Wilson Memorial Fun Run was held Thursday morning to raise money for the Christmas Bureau. A total of over $2,600.0 was raised during the annual event which was spearheaded by the people at TELUS.
Winners of Vegreville’s Light Up contest were presented with their awards by Family & Community Support Services. Winners were Rick Hart with Best Religious, Todd Cikaliuk with Best Santa, Judy Ewaniuk representing Best Business General Watch & Clock, and Victor and Fiona Sorochan with Best Block category.
Vegreville Preschool held its Christmas Concert under the direction of Miss Gizowski in front of an audience of over 100 people. The youngsters performed songs such as “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and Under One Sky. They also sang and acted in sign language. Santa even took some time off from is busy schedule to make a visit.
Mundare Business Association’s Past President Valerie Retzlaff and President Tracy Jordan presented Val Bogan of the Christmas Bureau with $578.50. Also, Darlene Kuziek, owner of Subway presented Gloria Englberger of the Christmas Bureau with a $400.00 cheque.
Letters Welcomed
One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.
What
the Data Really Says About “Systemic Racism” in Canada
Matthew Lau Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy
Significant federal program spending is premised on the idea that visible minorities in Canada are systemically disadvantaged.
Take the latest: Earlier this fall, the federal government released a 45-page anti-racism strategy for 2024-2028, which “aims to tackle systemic racism and make our communities more inclusive and prosperous.” Such a strategy is necessary, according to the government, because systemic racism exists throughout our institutions and “(perpetuates) a position of relative disadvantage for racialized persons.”
Specifically, among Canadian-born men, cumulative earnings over 20 years were highest on average among Chinese men ($1.58 million in 2019 dollars), followed by South Asian men ($1.51 million). Only black men ($1.06 million) earned less than white men ($1.31 million).
Clearly, if Chinese and South Asian men have higher earnings power than white men, it is difficult to conclude Canada is systemically racist against minorities.
What about the inverse? Does the data suggest Canada is systemically racist against white men? No.
factors like employer size, industry, and geography?
The earnings gap between white and black men remains. As well, while Chinese and South Asian men out-earned white men, after controlling for education and other factors, white men actually earned more. Alas, have we found evidence of systemic racism? Is this evidence that the country is systemically racist because these employers paid minorities less than their white counterparts with similar educational backgrounds?
There’s no hard evidence of this. First, discrimination by employers against visible minorities has been illegal for decades. Second, as the study suggests, many factors affect earnings besides the ones researchers can observe and control for, including differences in social networks, job search methods, and preferences for certain working conditions, so automatically blaming racism doesn’t make much sense. Third, if Canada is systemically racist against minorities, how did Chinese and South Asian men find themselves overrepresented in the higher-paying STEM fields to begin with?
And if racism against black Canadians is to blame for the earnings gap among men, what explains the fact that black women earned more than white women?
Among Canadian-born women, before controlling for education and other factors, the cohort that earned the least over two decades was white women ($0.80 million). Chinese women had the highest cumulative earnings ($1.14 million), followed by South Asian women ($1.06 million), and then black women ($0.82 million). Is Canada full of racists who only discriminate against black men but not black women?
Another outcome of the StatCan analysis is that after controlling for the same factors (e.g. education),
“The fact that Chinese and South Asian men have higher education levels than white men and are more likely to be in STEM fields is the single most important factor explaining why these two groups have higher cumulative earnings than white men,” the StatCan report found. In other words, education, not racism, drives the difference in earnings. So what happens when we control for education and other
Christmas Angels 2024
Sienna,
Conversations on Ukrainian Christmas
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
On July 28, 2023, President of Ukraine Volodynmyr Zelenskyy signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday to December 25 from January 7, the day it’s observed by the Russian Orthodox Church. This was to done to abandon the Russian heritage, Ukrainian’s relentless successful struggle for their identity, and Russia’s oppression against Ukraine. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine is switching the revised
Julian calendar, which marks Christmas on December 25.
Yuliia Kalutska expressed that there is definitely a lot of debate about what is right or wrong when it comes to celebrating holidays. “For her, she is going to celebrate twice—on December 24 and January 7.
Growing up, she always celebrated Saint Nicholas Day on December 19th (Sweet treats) and Christmas on January 7 (Presents) because January 7 is also her brother’s birthday, so it has always been an extra special day in her family.
“I love keeping my family traditions alive, so I spend the holidays connecting with my Ukrainian family and celebrating with my new Canadian family. I have some great plans for both days, all about cherishing family time and making meaningful memories,” Yuliia mentioned.
Marian Kohut replied that he celebrates on December 25, just like his ancestors before the invasion of the communist empire in 1917.
Oleksandra Dhzyga said they will celebrate on December 25.
Maryna Bodnar answered that last year they started celebrating Christmas on December 25, just like her relatives in Ukraine, who now also celebrate Christmas on December 25.
Lynda Olsen commented that she only did full Ukrainian Christmas when her Baba was still alive. And it was more special Christmas Eve supper and together January 6 than actual January 7. So, in her house they will not do anything extra special, but quietly inside she remembers it. “We might eat perogies and nachinka, but it is not because of January 6 or January 7’s reason, that is what we often eat anyways. So, no big Christmas here. But I do not think it is negative to celebrate on January 6 (Christmas Eve) if people want to. I do not believe it shows any support to Russia, it is a way family has done for genera-tions and has much other deeper meanings also,” Lynda said.
Revan Lockheart Gunn said he celebrated and still observes each Christmas. “When I was a child my grandparents would celebrate both; we’d have presents and family and all that for the 25th but usually it would be a quiet night with candles and just the three of us on the 7th. I never knew about the politics but I knew the love.
Accelerating Economic Growth Through Agri-Processing Tax Credit
Jackie
Armstrong-Homeniuk MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville
We are committed to improving investment opportunities to accelerate economic growth and future prosperity. This is why on December 10, we enacted the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit regulatory amendments, allowing registered partnerships to apply to the tax credit program. Alberta, with our low tax environment, is the place to do business, and by further supporting invest-ments in our province, we are simultaneously aiding job creation and innovation in our food manufac-turing and bioprocessing industries.
paving
these changes, we are putting Alberta on the map by removing road-blocks and paving the way for growth. Our government is dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient roadways for Albertans. This is why we have made substantial investments this year to ease congestion, enhance safety, and promote economic growth in our roadways.
The updates to the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit program help cut red tape, taking away the application cap so that there is no limit to the number of registered partnerships or individual corporations that can apply. By enacting
investments
In Budget 2024, our government committed to investing $8.1 billion over three years in Transportation and Economic Corridors’ Capital Plan. Throughout the 2024 construction season, we invested $818 mil-lion in over 200 projects. This vital work on our transportation infrastructure has improved roadways and supported thousands of jobs in the province.
Exciting news in the Industrial Heartland. Cando Rail & Terminals has announced their plans to double the size of the Sturgeon Multi-Purpose Rail terminal, transforming it into a trailblazing rail-centric supply chain hub. This rail hub will stage, arrive, and depart long train units, allowing for increased trade and economic output from our region.
Cando’s project is in partnership to support Dows Path2Zero investment with improved rail infrastruc-ture and capacity. Design is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year with construction com-mencing in 2025. I am excited by the opportunities this will bring to our constituency, including job cre-ation and future economic development and diversification
Province Shifts Recycling Responsibilities Through New Program
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
The provincial government is bringing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in regards to recycling that will affect municipalities.
This program, and what it entails was discussed at the Dec. 10 Town of Mundare council meeting. Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla informed council that they would have to make a decision on whether to continue collecting their own residential recycling or have the province pay for a private contractor to collect residential recycling.
Zyla stated in his Request for Decision, that there are two ways to participate:
• Opt in - The Town continues to handle the contract for recycling collection and the Town is com-pensated for the cost of collection plus costs for administration
• Opt out - The EPR takes over complete administration of recycling and they pay for collection directly to the contractor.
Zyla also pointed out that the town has 13 businesses that do not qualify (includes 2 properties with both residential and commercial), 4 non-profits, and three commercial bins. “Unfortunately, the EPR is only for residential at this time. It does not include commercial, non-profits and municipal buildings; but these properties may be included in the future.”
As far as the businesses and commercial properties, Zyla said they will have to figure out how to address collection of recycling as that will remain the responsibility of the town.
According to an overview of the program, “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) shifts the physical and financial burden of collecting, sorting, processing and recycling waste to the producer and away from local governments and taxpayers. Alberta’s
new EPR framework will diversify our economy by en-couraging companies to find innovative ways to recycle more materials and produce less packaging waste.”
Alberta’s approach aligns with producer-run programs in other jurisdictions, empowering producers to:
• create local recycling markets
• design cost-effective and efficient recycling programs
• demonstrate environmental responsibility
The program was to originally be implemented in April of 2025, but that has been extended to July of 2025.
Councillor Irene Talaga made the motion to opt out of the program. The motion was carried unanimously.
REMEMBER
The holidays are upon us. That means some adjustments for closures which allow people much deserved time with family and friends. Two News Advertiser editions are affected this year. Please Plan Ahead.
Deadline for January 1 edition: Friday, December 27 at 3 pm
EARLY HOLIDAY ADVERTISING DEADLINES
December 28, 2024 At 7:00 pm - Upstairs in the Arena Club Room
We will be taking entries for the 2024 season. All entries should be in by Dec 28th 2024 at the latest, to give us time to sort them out. For fish, bird and big game and for photography for best scenery photo and best wildlife photo. Follow all Alberta Fish and Game rules and regulations. All new entry forms for birds, fish, big game, etc, are available on the Alberta Fish and Game web site. All birds and fish can be weighed at any place where there is an inspected scale. For fish take a picture of it with a tape measure beside it with the person who caught it if possible. For big game if you have one to score, you can call Kevin to line up an appointment to get it scored, he will score all animals. You do not have to be an Alberta Fish and Game member to get your entries in Alberta Wildlife Record Book. But you do have to have a Willingdon and District Fish and Game Association membership to qualify for a club trophy. Entries can be sent in by mail, text or e-mail. We will also send in all the highest entries to the Alberta Fish and Game Association to see if they qualify to go into the Alberta Wildlife Record Book. We have new record books for sale also starting from the year 1963 to 2018 there is a limited supply of them. The cost of the record books are $40.00 each.
Memberships for 2025 are:
For more information :
Willingdon and Distinct Fish and Game Association
Alberta Fish And Game Association 780-437-2342
New Years Eve in Australia
New Years Eve in Sydney, Australia: Known for hosting the second largest and one of the best New Year celebrations, Sydney is a place worth visiting during the holiday season. The illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge and its spectacular firework show, is however the highlight of the New Years Eve in Sydney, Australia. If this was not all, you can also hear the melodious singers and musicians perform some of their best tracks during the celebrations. Fun and enjoyment does not end here. There are beach parties, bonfires, camping and picnics that form the essence of the New Year Eve celebrations in Sydney.
New Years Eve in Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne is yet another Australian destination that promises you one of the best New Year celebrations in the country. With beach parties, fireworks, rock band performances, and luxurious dinners, all you can expect to have is a gala time. Hot spots like Southgate, NewQuay, Alexandra Gardens, Federation Square, Waterfront City and Birrarung Marr host’s special entertaining programs on the New Year Eve in Melbourne. To have a different experience though, you can party hard at some of the New Years Eve special cruises, sailing across the city.
New Years Eve in Brisbane, Australia: Brisbane in Australia too is a great place to visit for New Year celebrations. From splendid fireworks, laser shows to Hollywood styled parties and balls, Brisbane knows how to entertain its residents and visitors on the New Years Eve. New Year Ball in Brisbane takes place at RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills. Dress as you like and party as hard as you can is the basic principle followed here on this occasion.
New Years Eve in Canberra, Australia: Canberra city is yet another amazing Australian destination to come to for grand New Year celebrations. Celebrated events at Civic Square and Garema Place are some of the attractions to be a part of during the Eve in the city. Music lovers can enjoy shows by Kiwi G, The Whitlams, and Who’s Ya Daddy, while party lovers can groove to some of the best tracks played by the DJ at Garema Place.
New Years Eve in Hobart, Australia:
Hobart’s waterfront is known for hosting grand celebrations on the New Years Eve. The Taste Festivals is although, a highlight of the Harbour Waterfront celebrations. From festival special food to Tasmanian Wine, you can savor them all at the festival. Apart from this, you can also be a part of the artistic performances held throughout the place.
New Years Eve in Perth, Australia:
If you want to be a part of grand New Year celebrations, the city of Perth is certainly a perfect Australian destination to visit. Special highlights of the New Years Eve in Australia include, Disco Fever at Applecross, New Years Eve celebrations at The Byrneleigh and the Eve party of Perth at the George.
we have jotted down the name of some best places where you will be able to enjoy brimful.
•La Carveceria is known for its 4course dinner menu and special dessert. The restaurant is located at East Village area. The restaurant has no parking area; therefore you have to be there early to get access at street parking. The place is famous for its Peruvian cuisine.
•Those are fond of Italian foods may book their table at 1 Noscello. This place is situated at Midtown west. Besides 4 courses menu there is champagne toast, noise making, fireworks, and party hats ceremony at the zero hour. You should book your ticket right now.
•Foodie fond of American cuisine may come in 1 Vizio. Besides A la Carta dinner
New Years Eve in New York
NYE Party Bash at New York
The NYE celebration in Time Square in New York is indeed the biggest party arranged, parties arranged by Big Apple is no way inferior to Time Square celebration. Besides, Bigg Apple parties, New York City bars and Nightclubs also host dozens of scintillating parties on that special EVE. Some of the best are mentioned here.
•Dream Downtown
•Bowlmore Time Square
•NYE Extravaganza hosted by Vinni Guadagnino
•Abe and Arthur’s
•Greenwich Village Country Club
•49 grove
•AMAC Time square, and many more
To be on the safer side of your planning you must collect your entry pass as soon as possible.
Restaurants for attending special dinner
New York Restaurants have arranged special dinner menu for NYE night. Here
menu the restaurant offers party favors, champagne toast, and fires works show at zero hour. Similarly 1770 House, 21 Club, 490 West, 3 forty Grill are some other restaurants who have arranged special offers for their guests on NYE occasion.
Those who have plan for New York cruise party may take a look at the agenda of programs in family cruise through New York Harbor, NYE cruise in New York City, New York Dinner Cruise, Exclusive NYE cruise for enjoying city skyline and NYE fireworks show from sea base.
New Years Eve in London
London Parade
London Parade on NYE is world famous for its theme, which is Hats off to London. Almost 10,000 participants from all over the world join the parade for representing London and its legacy. Dancers, cheerleaders, acrobats, performers and musicians join the parade in order to celebrate the special day.
London party bash
If you wish to spend your NYE night at London, you will surely be spoilt by wide options. Lots of special events and parties take place here in London on that gala day. Different types of parties are arranged here. Starting from warehouse parties to chic shindig, London has lots of party’s arrangement on that day. Some of the best events are Audio Sushi, Belle Epoque Party New Year Eve’s Part Special, Bite, Bodymove presents
NYE white and Gold Rio Revellion, The Cnadlelight Club’s Chistmas Ball, connected NYE, and many more.
London day time attractions at NYE London houses lots of daytime attractions like London Museum, London Zoo, Up at the O2, Somerset House, Rain ROOM, London Wetland center, London Aquarium are only a few of the world famous tourist attractions. If you want to enjoy London and its innumerable tourist attractions, you can plan a London tour at day time. It will be a great enjoyment and you can consider it a NYE special tour for you and your family.
London classical musical events
Those who have a soft nose for classical western magic London has lots of to offer for thewm during NYE festive occasion. Some of these are Venice by Night, New Years Eves Operetta Matinee, Jack Frost;s Christmas Adventure, La Boheme, and Raymon Gubbay Christmas Festival concerts deserve special mention in this category.
London
A vintage New Year Party, Great Firework party at NYE, SKATING in New Year EVE at Naturalk History Museum at London, and New Years Eve at Bounce are some of the well known venues for gala celebration of the zero hour.
In 2019 some of the most outstanding party events arranged in London are New Year Day Parade, Cecil Beaton: the theater of war, Tick and Twitch walk, New Years Day masked ball dance party, Strictly Winter Swing, Hollywood costumes; if you are on the tour with your kids do not miss to visit Sea Life London Aquarium. NYE in London is typically celebrated around Thames River, centering Big Ben and London eye. The countdown comes with the baritone chimes of Big Ben and
NYE Party theme at
another countdown timer are kept projected on Shell Centre. The fireworks are played at London Eye at midnight, which lasts for 8-10 min and it is observed by multitude of spectators. On coming NYE celebration in London will be maintained with this austerity and diligence.
comes in wearing colorful and fancy clothes, walk down in the procession passing through various streets, and eat, sing, cheer, dance and play music all along, while making New Year wishes to everyone. The samba dance performed during the carnival makes everyone go vibrant in their knees.
been told all they need to do. Here are some traditions for those who are away from seas or beaches. Jump with your right foot for three times, or climb up a stool, and then come back down stepping the right foot first. If you wish to get conferred with a happy love life in the coming year, make sure that your first New Year wish goes out to a person of an opposite gender, and that too with a hug.
Celebrations on New Years Eve in Brazil
New Years Eve in Brazil is sizzling hot, and is meant for those who wish for nothing but pure fun. Apart from the hot parties organized on New Years Eve, the prolific view of the fireworks show at midnight is simply stunning.
Around the time of New Year, Brazil has a moderately hot weather, and therefore, people prefer to go to beaches with friends and families during the first half of the New Years Eve, and spend some time comforting there. There is a belief that lighting up candles on the sand of the beaches, throwing white flowers in the water, thanking Iemanja- The Goddess of Sea, and jumping seven waves while making wishes for the coming year, confer one with good luck, and fulfill one’s wishes.
The evening time of New Years Eve remains set aside for partying and celebrating hard. One of the prominent places to be in on New Years Eve is Copacabana, where people from all across the country and world
New Years Eve in Brazil is also about following of many traditions which according to the beliefs of local people, symbolizes for positive aspects in coming year. Each of the traditions as followed is believed to hold a certain essence and an impact over its practitioner. For instance, wearing a pair of new underwear is necessary, and for deriving certain specific results, certain colors are required to be selected. A green for good health, a white for peace, a yellow for wealth, a pink for
love, a red for passion, and a purple for inspiration. Other than this tradition, you will notice most of the people wearing white clothes on New Years Eve, which is done with a belief that it will confer prosperity and peace in the coming year.
There is another tradition of eating lentils, pork, and fish during New Year’s time.
New Years Eve in Zimbabwe
The African nation of Zimbabwe is basically a diverse country with lots of cultures in it. Many of those different cultures derive numbers of festivals of varied significance.
New Year and celebrations made on New Years Eve is one common festival for all, which provides a opportunity to everyone to come together, to share smiles, and to celebrate the moment together as one.
With its astonishing flora and fauna, and some of the most exhilarating sceneries of the world, Zimbabwe has a lot to offer to the world. The runs of Great Zimbabwe, the very famous Victoria Falls, the historical Zimbabwean civilization, numbers of wildlife parks, and the pleasant tropical weather of the country during the time of New Year, mutually make it a perfect destination for those travelers looking to have something different.
The celebrations made during the time of New Years Eve in Zimbabwe are high on passion and fervor. Everyone enthusiastically and excitingly waits for the time to arrive, as it is a time to party and lots of celebrations. All streets and commercial buildings are colorfully decorated with
live music performers from the local region are called on to perform during the evening, and some big clubs and restaurants are able to draw in eminent artists of national and international fame.
Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, hosts the best and biggest celebrations of New Years Eve. With home to some of the biggest nightclubs, tourist places, and other classy restaurants and hotels, one can be a part of some big stage celebrations organized for the evening. Other than Harare, many major cities in Zimbabwe hosts live concerts and music performances, with huge crowd in attendance.
Among all these music performances, performers from different genre such as rock, pop, and jazz perform during the night. Thousands of people from far off place travel to arrive in these parties on New Years Eve. People cheerfully groove to the music all through the night, and with great food and drinks on the offer, celebrations get much more elevated and spirited.
New Years Eve in Romania
gather to have a gala time celebrating the essence and spirit of New Year. Copacabana remains illuminated with fancy lights, crafted in very splendid way. Other than Copacabana, one will find almost every other place, street, and building in Brazil to be lit up with lights and decorations. Also, it is a part of Brazilian culture to set off firecrackers on New Years Eve, and therefore, everyone either in small, moderate, or big way ensures to have some sort of fireworks show in their neighborhood.
All the clubs, pubs, party halls, and restaurants are packed with throngs of people. Other than that, numbers of musical shows, live performances, and concerts are organized in some major cities of Brazil. The hottest parties of Brazil can be found occurring in Rid de Janeiro. There is another highlighted aspect of New Years Eve, which is the New Year Brazilian carnival, in which large number of people
While eating lentils symbolizes for the arrival of abundance of wealth in one’s life in the entire coming year, and fish and pork are considered to be forward moving beings, which symbolizes for moving ahead in one’s life. With the same sense, eating birds or crabs symbolizes for moving backside in life, which is not recommended.
Another tradition associated with New Years Eve in Brazil includes eating of seven grapes, and then keeping their seeds in the pocket. This symbolizes for enough money in the coming year.
While those spending their daytime of New Years Eve on beaches have already
illuminated lights and other adornments.
Usually, people in Zimbabwe make sure to spend adequate amount of the special time with families and friends in the mentioned order. People invite all friends and relatives to their houses to be a part of the family celebrations. Special dinners are arranged for the evening, with delicious traditional dishes on the menu. Other than that, many communal celebrations are also organized.
Most of the clubs and restaurants organize vibrant New Years Eve celebrations for the evening, putting special consideration on the entertainment aspect. Usually,
In Romania, New Year is not only considered as a new start of calendar or a new date, but is also considered as a mark to make new positive initiations in life. People dance, play music, cheer out loud, and most importantly abide by all possible rituals, customs, and traditions to mark the arrival of New Year.
With the arrival of New Years Eve, one can sense the spirit, enthusiasm, and fervor flowing all around in every bit of air. Sound out of the ringing bells, bull sounds, and music being played all over the place makes one feel like a part of a movie, with a background festive score. Also, the sights of people dancing through the streets, like no less than a procession, reflects the
dynamism and enthusiasm hold by the people for the day.
In villages, people commences the morning time on New Years Eve with the ancient tradition of ‘Little Plough’ (Plugusorul). As a part of it, villagers and farmers pray for a fruitful and rich harvesting year ahead. As a part of this tradition, children, and people of young age who are the ploughmen for the custom, play whips, bells, and rings. Also, there is another instrument called as ‘bull’, which when played, creates a sound similar to that of a bull’s roar. In the evening, the tradition of ‘Old Plough’ is observed. It is in no way different from the ‘Little Plough’, other than a point that it has older men performing the rituals. Also, they use real farming tools, along with two oxen to plough the field.
In the evening time, most of the villages have planned cultural programs, in which everyone from the village come in, wearing colorful amusing masks. As a part of celebrations, local people showcase their tradition by performing their customary dance on traditional music.
Most of the traditions observed by people of Romania have some or the other significance, and most of the time, that significance is related to one’s fate and about optimistic hopes for the future. The traditions as followed on the occasion of New Years Eve are no different.
Bear ritual is one important practice associated with the history of the Romania celebrations on New Years Eve. As a part of it, people dress themselves in vibrant clothes or clothes made of artificial animal fur. Then, they gather to form groups, and then make a visit to every house in the neighborhood while dancing. This very old bear tradition is believed to sway all evils and negativities away and out of a house-
the entire coming year. Therefore, it is always recommended to have jovial mood and smiling faces. On the same lines, there is a tradition of keeping a lamp lit all through the New Years Eve till the dawn of New Year’s Day. Doing so is believed to confer adequate sunshine and good harvest in the coming year.
To get conferred with wealth and prosperity in the coming year, there is a tradition of tossing a coin in the water, in which one washes hands. Keeping some money in the pocket at the time of the arrival of New Year, and preferably all through the New Years Eve is also a tradition, which is believed to draw a prosperous year ahead. Don’t over sleep; otherwise one might remain lethargic all through the year.
Islands’. Apart from the factors of natural splendor and pleasant weather of Bahamas, the other factor behind the growing stature of it as a New Year destination spot is the celebration made on New Years Eve.
New Year Eve’s saw Bahamas in its full vibrant mode, when it comes up with some of the most parties and celebrations. The most different aspect associated with it is the casualness with which Bahamas celebrates New Years Eve, which is very much intrinsic to the nature of Bahamas. That casual attitude of celebration contributes in making New Years Eve in Bahamas a big wild party, for which everyone wishes to be a part of. It is neither too hot nor too cold in Bahamas around New Year’s time, which makes it a pleasant time for the inhabitants as well as the visitors to have a gala time celebrating on New Years Eve.
head towards the ultimate party destination, where celebrations begin on New Years Eve and go on till the dawn of the New Year’s Day.
New Years Eve in Bahamas is a perfect time to sweep off the taste buds through some highly enthralling and delicious local dishes of Bahamas, which are simple yet extraordinary. It is also a perfect time to have a close and precise view of the rich tradition, culture, and heritage of Bahamas and Bahamian people. Being in Bahamas on New Years Eve ensures a profoundly frolic time for everyone, where one will only end up framing good memories of New Year.
hold and the lives of people living in them. In return, people usually present them with some cash. In last few years, this tradition has gained prominence in urban parts of the country as well. Similarly, there are masks’ games and goats’ games organized in several parts of Romania on New Years Eve.
It is also believed that the way with which one behaves on New Years Eve, is the way with which one will pass his life through
Vergel is another prominent tradition, which is used for making future predictions, in particularly for the married life of the unmarried people. Similarly, there is a tradition of predicting weather in different months of the coming year, by unpeeling the onion peels in an order reflecting the months of the coming year. Then, some salt is applied over those peels. Then the amount of water left in the peels is checked, and is used for determining the weather of a certain month of the coming year.
New Years Eve in Bahamas
Being located in the southeast side of the United States, Bahamas hosts many people from United States as well as from various other places around the world during the New Year time.
One arrives in Bahamas with an expectation to have different and vigorous New Year celebrations, which Bahamas profoundly fulfills. The increased popularity of Bahamas as a New Year destination spot, has even turned its fate to ‘Family Islands’, which were once used to be called as ‘Out
On December 31st of the Old year, i.e. on New Years Eve, most of the people love to spend their daytime relaxing and having fun on the beaches. The real party begins with the arrival of the evening, when almost all night clubs, discotheques, pubs, and hotels remain jam-packed with throngs of people. People spend the whole of night, and sometimes even the early hours of the morning of New Year cheering and celebrating. Being considered as an important festival by Bahamians, New Year is tried to be turned into a perfect goodbye time, and thus long preparations go in to ensure that.
The highlighted aspect of New Years Eve celebrations is a festivity, which is known as ‘Junkanoo’. Junkanoo is a conventional Bahamian style of celebration. It is in practice for more than a century, and holds a lot of prominence among the local people as well as the visitors, who every year wishes to be a part of it. Almost everyone, irrespective of their gender, age, and relationship status endeavor to get into it.
This special gala hosts huge crowd, who
Though there are many places in Iceland, which throw some extraordinary New Years Eve celebrations, the capital city of Reykjavik stands out as the most prominent one. Apart from the conventional party celebrations, equal importance is given to the customs and traditions involved with the occasion. As far as conventional party culture goes, New Years Eve is the time when all party places are chock-full, both with the locals as well visitors from other countries.
eat, drink, dance, cheer, and celebrate. Most of the people come up in striking and colorful dresses, to mark their grand welcome to one of the most important time of their year. Also, prepare make long hauled preparations for various performances, such as dance, music, acrobats, etc., reflecting the culture and tradition of Bahamians. Junkanoo initiates with a procession, in which people of all age participate. They
The nightlife scene in Iceland is hot, definitely more intense than its cold weather. Some great music is played all through the evening and night of New Years Eve, and most of the bars and pubs play it loud till the dawn of New Year’s Day. Also, people book a table in a fine restaurant to have a special dinner of the evening along with their family.
Other than that, all the major cities are beautifully decorated, and all major cities have splendid light shows. The largest crowd of the evening gathers at the Reykjavik’s cathedral in the capital city of Reykjavik. The live broadcast of the same
New Years Eve in Iceland
on the radio is listened over by millions others. On New Years Eve, the entire Reykjavik gets into the party groove, and one can sense the same with the magnificent celebrations made over almost every street and lane of the city.
The evening holds a special feast for everyone, which is later followed by the fireworks show at the stroke of midnight. City also hosts number of cultural programs on New Years Eve, with many of them based on traditional music. Those carrying a good luck for the evening can expect to have a view of the Aurora Borealis.
Years Eve celebrations in Iceland. These bonfires are the places to come across few of the ancient stories related to the occasion. With the clock striking twelve, these bonfire gatherings turn into big party celebrations, with everyone eating, drinking, dancing, and raising toasts to mark their grand welcome.
New Years Eve, certainly make South Africa as a perfect place for having New Year celebrations.
South Africa hosts big stage parties during New Years Eve. South Africa is a perfect destination for all those, who wish to be a part of something extravagant and royal during New Years Eve.
The daytime is usually spent relaxing with family, friends, and relatives. Also, most of the people keep their New Years Eve reserved for spending it with only near and dear ones. However, community celebrations also occur and accepted on a big scale.
Most of the parties go on all night, concluding in the early morning hours of the
New Years Eve in Hong Kong
The New Year’s countdown at Times Square:
Other than this, those at home remain hooked on to their television sets on New Years Eve to watch the special yearly episode of the comedy program of Áramótaskaupið, which refers to ‘The New Year’s Comedy’. It is basically a severe satire over the eminent personalities, as well as the prominent events occurred during the past whole year. Meanwhile, with the moment of the arrival of New Year drawing close, people start coming out of their houses to have a view of the splendid fireworks over the city skies.
The grand event during New Years’ time in Kong Is perhaps the New Year’s countdown that happens at the Times Square, for those who want to be a part of a street gathering and revelling this is perhaps the closest you can come to it. So as thousands gather to watch the clock strike twelve, and the sounds of cheering hit the sky, there is no other place you should be when the New Year begins. There shall be lots of entertainment in the form of liv music and stalls so, just absorb the feel of a New Year with the New Year’s countdown in Hong Kong.
The New Year Celebrations at Victoria Harbour:
For those of you who love fireworks and love to celebrate in style, the best fireworks display would probably be the fireworks display that is held on top of the Victoria Harbour each year at midnight. The view is truly spectacular, and the skyline above the Hong Kong islands appear to be bejewelled and bedecked it is truly a beautiful sight to behold. So climb on the boat as you sail under a star lit sky. For those who cannot hop on aboard you can try to witness the display from the Avenue stars which is almost equally beautiful a view.
Other than the socially organized fireworks shows, people in every house have their own scale of firework program, though comparatively on a small scale. Taking a look from some high point of the city, makes the entire city look like a big party stage, with splendid and magical lights flowing out to the skies
There is a tradition of organizing large community bonfire, in which everyone from the neighborhood participates. This tradition of community bonfires are in existence since a long time, and have grown up to be an intrinsic part of New
The street and bars that are present in Lan Kwan Kai are the best bet for people who are ravelling in groups or are looking for a crowd, if you are looking for slightly cheaper alternatives then too this is the place you would want to be in. You can grab drinks from the nearby pubs and drink on the streets, the food being amazing, there are also a number parties that you can attend when in Lan Kwai Fong.
New Years Eve in South Africa
New Year in South Africa is celebrated in accordance to the Georgian calendar on its first date of January 1. The energy, dynamism, and colorful festivities during the time of New Year, in particularly on the
New Year’s Day. South African people like to party hard. New Years Eve offer them the much need respite from the routine and hectic life, and thus everyone seem to make the most of it, as if there is no tomorrow. Lavish meals, and lots of music, dance, and cheer all around is one intrinsic aspect of New Years Eve in South Africa. The dishes served during feasts or normal dinners on New Years Eve reflect a blend of the tradition, as well as the season of South Africa. Also, finest of wines are an essential part of celebrations.
aspects occur at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa. Most of these extravagant events have great music, dancing, dining, drinking, and spectacular fireworks at the offer. In particularly, the music events such as Kirstenbosch Gardens New Years Eve Concert and Rezonance New Years Eve Festival, organized in Cape Town hold a distinctive identity and significance. The annual event of Cape Town Minstrel Carnival organized on New Years Eve is said to be the biggest party of Cape Town
of the entire year. It holds its date back to the nineteenth century. This carnival is extravagant and highly colorful, with thousands of people coming in, and participating in it wearing colorful costumes. According to estimations, around 10,000 costumed performers, singers, dancers, and musicians participate in it. Lots of local performers, street performers, and eminent performers from around the country participate in it. The colorful and vibrant marching bands participating in it are too worthy to miss out for anything.
Churches ring bells at the stroke of midnight to officially announce the arrival of New Year. With that, everyone cheers out loud, celebrate with joy and excitement, and some of the over-enthusiastic people even fire gunshots in the air. Some of the people also throw fridges off their balconies. However, in the present time, these traditions of forting a gunshot and throwing of fridges have taken a backseat, much because of the risk factor involved in it, and because of the strict legal aspects involved.
The biggest celebrations in absolute
People sing, dance, and cheer all through the procession, while celebrating the time of New Years Eve.
The beautiful beaches in Durban are other prominent and popular destinations during the time. In fact, they remain one of the most visited places in South Africa all around the year, and during the time of New Year, they just get filled to their capacity. The evening parties as organized on beaches, and in the nearby night clubs and bars, offer a perfect way to say goodbye to the last moments of the Old Year, and put a grand welcome to the New Year. Johannesburg, the largest city
The New Year Parties at Lan Kwai Fong:
Africa, has some spectacular fireworks show at the midnight. The Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown hosts one of the biggest parties of the town, with around fifty thousand in attendance.
New Years Eve in Denmark
New Year is a time of the year, when all people believe in moving ahead, and moving over the past troubles of life. It is a time of being an optimistic for the coming time, and being pleasant and happy. New Year celebrations in Denmark are an extensive expression of the same.
Most of the people ensure to plan a dinner, or if possible a special feast along with champagne and sweets, with close friends and family. New Years Eve provide them hosts itself as a gala time for everyone, so that everyone can spend the last few moments of Old Year and initial few hours of the New Year, by being close to their near and dear ones. Traditional dishes such as marzipan ring cakes, boiled cod, stewed
kale, and cunavy saddle are necessarily required to be on the platter.
As far as social parties are concerned, almost every small and big city of Denmark hosts the biggest parties of the year on New Years Eve. Most of these parties begin during the evening time of December 31, and with each passing moment, the crowds in such parties get intense.
They eat, drink, dance, and cheer, and eagerly wait for the clock to turn twelve. Also, large crowd turns in for hotels and restaurants who apart from offering special dishes for the evening, also organize events of gambling, and music shows and live shows of eminent performers. With the big moment drawing close, many get hooked to their television sets watching the live fireworks show occurring in major parts of the city, and also lending their ears to the Queen’s Speech of the New Years Eve.
When New Year actually arrives, fireworks are set off to swell in the skies.
People, and in particularly small age children and people of young age also bun crackers in their respective selves. It is the moment when all decibel meters shatter, as throng of people go crazy, cheer out loud, and exchange wishes in the midst of the show. It is well prop up by the music shows, some of them being live.
Among all the fireworks show, the one in Tivoli Gardens is considered as the best. In fact, it has a five day extended fireworks festival, beginning after the day of Christmas, and going on till the midnight stroke on New Years Eve. Experimentarium is also popular for it’s about half an hour fireworks show.
Most of the traditions followed during New Years Eve in Denmark, seem to be standing on a humorous side. Thus, people pleasantly observe them with an element of fun. Among those many traditions, there is one most prominent and pleasurable tradition. If one finds broken dishes at one’s
threshold, one might feel odd and bad. But, an exact opposite feeling is felt in Denmark, if same occurs on New Years Eve. People save dishes all through the year, to only throw them at the doors of their friends and neighbors on New Years Eve. The more one’s door gets struck by the broken dishes reflects that one has many friends in life, and many of those friends love and like him.
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Homestead Lodge Expansion Proposal Finalized
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
There is a critical need for affordable housing in Alberta, and the provincial government is investing millions of dollars to help address the current situation.
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, announced just over a month ago that it was opening the next round of applications with up to $150 million being made available to public, non-profit, and private sector housing providers.
The funds fall under Alberta’s
Dear Santa...
From Chloe H. from Bonnyville
Dear Santa, for Christmas I would like a scate bord. And slime. And most of all I would like an Xbox too! I love Xbox so much! All so I would like a robot Cat and Dog. I would like a Hafer board to! I love you Santa! You are the best! I would like a fishing rod. And a fort! Please and thank you! for all those thing we get. And one of those big robot Vackums! Those flopy fish for cats! From Chloe H. And a exchra Bear –Bear! Please!!!
Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP). According to the province, since 2022, AHPP has invested about $189 million to support more than 1,500 housing units and more than 300 shelter spaces in 15 communities.
Keeping a close eye on the closing date of Jan. 31, 2025, are members of the MD of Minburn Foundation, who are going to submit an application for an expansion and renovation project for Homestead Lodge in Vegreville under the program.
Jerrold Lemko, Chair of the MD of Minburn Foundation and Vegreville Town Councillor, said the proposed project is very much needed in the community. The original part of the lodge dates back to the sixties and the need to accommodate more seniors from Vegreville and outlying areas continues to grow.
Lemko recently reported to members of council that the Foundation was close to submitting it funding package. “There are a number of communities seeking funding for this. So, we are going to have to ad-vocate to our MLA for her support in getting it built here.”
Members of the Foundation board began looking at expanding the seniors’ facility last year to 62 new units. All that remains is to receive official approval of the final submission from all the member municipalities of the MD of Minburn Foundation. Those municipalities include: County of Minburn, Town of Vegreville, Village of Innisfree and Village of Mannville.
Chloe
Outside view of the Homestead Lodge. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Jerrold Lemko. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)
SARAFINCHAN, William
In loving memory of William Sarafinchan
October 1, 1923 - December 27, 1997
His helping hand was always first
To render any aid he could.
His voice was always raised in praise,
His words were wise and good.
Dear Father, since you’ve gone away,
The ones you loved so true
Try hard to carry on the way
We know you’d want us to.
Forever loved and remembered by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
ROZUMNIAK, Clarence
In Loving memory of our dear Brother who passed away on December 28, 2000
BROTHER in HEAVEN
They say there is a reason
They say time will heal; Neither time or reason
Will change the way we feel. Gone are the days
We used to share, But in our hearts
You are always there.
The gates of memories
Will never close;
We miss you more than
Anybody knows…
Love and miss you everyday
Till we meet again
Always & Forever
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Kelly & Glen and family
Brenda & Jim
TRATCH, Robert
In loving memory of Robert Tratch
November 5, 1946 - December 30, 2018
He never looked for praises
He was never one to boast
He just went on quietly working
For the ones he loved the most.
His dreams were seldom spoken
His wants were very few
And most of the time his worries Went unspoken too.
He was there…A firm foundation
Through all our storms of life
A sturdy hand to hold on to
In times of stress and strife.
A true friend we could turn to
When times were good or bad
One of our greatest blessings
For all the times we’ve had.
From Darlene & Carmen
Candace & Shane
Victoria
July 13, 1925 - December 25, 2019
In Loving Memory of our Dear Mother and Baba
We think about you with love always
As you left us five years ago with peaceful memories
Of happy years we have shared.
Our hearts still ache in sadness
Every time we reminisce.
Secret tears still come and go
As we lost you five years ago.
Quietly remembered every day
Deeply missed along life’s way.
We hold you close within our hearts
Remembering your kindness, generosity, And happy days together.
God has you in His keeping and You will never be forgotten.
Thank you for your everlasting love.
Always remembered and deeply missed by Wally, Sherry, Jordan, Daniel and Kayla.
Vichnaya Pamyat
OLINECK, Margaret
May 26, 1929 - December 28, 2005
As life unfolds another year
Treasured memories keep you near Silent thoughts of times together are memories that last forever.
So may the winds of love blow gently
And whisper that you can hear.
How much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Len, George, Dawn, and families
DUBELT, Orest
September 23,1943- December 30th 2020
Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved still missed and held so dear.
To the world you were but one person to us you were the world.
Always in our thoughts and dearly missed!
Shannon, Ray, Jordan, Morgan, Farhaan, Emma, Isaac, Zayn, Reece, Nikki, Kole, Sam, Charlee, Parker, Walker, Sean, Luke, Patrick, Sydney, Devyn, Maddy, Dennis and David
DUBUC, Eileen
December 30, 2019
A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again.”
Lovingly remembered by Dan and family
Bidniak, Marlene Paulette (née Serediak) May 29, 1946 – Dec 16, 2024 On December 16, 2024, Marlene Bidniak of Andrew, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 surrounded by her family. Marlene will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband of 58 years, Harry Bidniak, her children, Greg (Karen) Bidniak of Fort Saskatchewan, and Jason Bidniak of Stony Plain; grandchildren Evan and Alaina. Marlene is also survived by her sister, Christinia (Isadore) Koscielnuk of Redwater, her brother Jim (Colleen Mascher) Serediak of Andrew, Alberta. Marlene had numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends, whom she loved deeply and had special bonds with. Marlene is predeceased by her parents, David and Elsie Serediak. Marlene was the kindest, most selfless, caring and loving mother, sister, Baba, wife and friend. She was a wonderful generous person who brightened the lives of everyone she knew. Her sole concern in life was being around and taking care of the people, she loved and cared about. She had a passion for growing beautiful flower gardens and community service. She cherished all her friendships and relationships with those around her. She especially loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren’s activities. We would like to thank all the health care professionals that supported and cared for Marlene. A private funeral service has taken place. Interment to follow in the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery at Sunland. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.
To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800
KOLODKEWYCH, Roman
April 23, 1935 – December 19, 2024
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Roman Kolodkewych of Vegreville, Alberta peacefully passed away at the age of 89 years. Roman is survived by his loving family, two brothers Bob (Louise) Kelly and their children Doug (Brenda) and Don (Susan): and his brother Mark; along with numerous relatives and friends. Roman was predeceased by his wife Winnifred; parents William and Annie Kolodkewych. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home in Vegreville, Alberta with Rt. Rev. Fr. Slawomir Lomaszkiewicz officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery.
To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800
KOKOTAILO,
Want to Wrap Up
Name:
Frosty the Snowman with Santa. (Rosanne Fortier/ Photo)
Students brighten
with
performance. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Young Students Shine
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
It was evident that the St. Martin’s Catholic School Pre-K/Kindergarten’s students were well trained when they performed an impressive Christmas Concert on December 18.
These youngsters showed plenty of enthusiasm as their perfectly tuned and cheerful voices entertained the audience with Take a Walk to Christmas, Christmas Makes Me Sing, Oh What a Special Night, as well as, reciting a poem about a snowy friend, and a dance performance of Hokey Pokey Reindeer.
Angels Among Us
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The true wonder of the season came alive when St. Martin’s Catholic School presented the Grades One to Three Christmas Concert on December 16.
The students’ angels emceed the event where they used humour to keep it light-hearted.
Initially, the performers’ bright and cheerful voices sang and danced to songs with delightful melodies about Christmas being their favorite time of the year, and other ones about what made the holidays special. This was followed by the children singing Silent Night, leading to the angels narrating the story of the
first Christmas, and the kids singing, Take a Walk Through Christmas.
Mary and Joseph appeared next, but the angels lost baby Jesus, who was soon found by some of the children.
The angels then announced that Jesus was our present.
They said next there are many angels among us, and they can be strangers who lend a helping hand.
The concert closed with everyone singing, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.
Every piece of this event captivated the audience as they commented about how sweet and talented the kids were.
The finale was We Wish You a Merry Christmas which delighted everyone.
This concert was shown live online for people who couldn’t make it in person.
People commented that they were thrilled to be able to watch their grandchildren and the concert was amazing!
The Pre-K/Kindergarten kids showcasing their talents. (St. Martin’s Catholic School/Submitted Photo)
Students dancing and singing. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Angels emcee the concert. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo) Mary and Joseph walk in. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
The True Spirit of Christmas
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The powerful message that Jesus was born to give us eternal life, love and forgiveness was laced throughout St. Martin’s Catholic School Christmas Concert for Grades Four to Six on December 18.
The event started out with a group of students singing a medley of spiritual Christmas songs with their angelic voices.
This was followed by a skit where someone wanted to do everything perfect for Christmas with deco-rating, meal planning, entertainment and other details.
Angels of joy, peace, hope, and love appeared and spoke to this person.
At last, the girl discovered that Christmas is a celebration, not a contest. The season is about the birth of Christ and what He gave to us.
The finale was a black-light presentation called, ‘It’s About the Cross’ which ignited the profound feeling of being touched by God as the students held tubes that glowed in the dark while they sang this song.
Each of these performances was met with an appreciative applause from the audience.
Systemic racism - CONTINUED from PAGE 6
Chinese women out-earned white women – by $38,000, on average. So, do racist employers systematically favour white men over Chinese men while also disfavouring white women relative to Chinese women?
The narrative that Canadians from visible minority backgrounds are systemically disadvantaged just doesn’t hold up to the data.
Moreover, this latest StatCan study only considered four groups (Chinese, South Asian, white, and black) of Canadian-born individuals, but other StatCan research provides similar evidence against systemic racism. Weekly earnings data from 2016 show that in addition to Chinese and South Asian men, Canadian-born Japanese and Korean men had higher earnings than their white counterparts. Among women, seven of 10 minority groups (Korean, Chinese, South Asian, Japanese, Filipino, “other visible minorities,” and Arab or West Asian) had higher average weekly earnings than the white population.
Simply put, the earnings data do not provide evidence that Canada is a society that systemically disadvantages minorities. Rather, the data show the exact opposite. Politicians and bureaucrats might want to consider these facts before wasting large sums of taxpayer dollars drawing up lengthy “anti-racism” plans.
Matthew Lau is a senior fellow with the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy and author of Systemic racism claims in Canada: A fact-based analysis.
Students performing a medley of songs.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Angels appear to bring messages.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Students performing. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
