Countdown to Christmas Begins!

Chipman Coyote Country Christmas Celebration

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

There was plenty of festive cheer in the Village of Chipman during the annual Coyote Country Christmas celebration on Nov. 19.

The fun-filled day was hosted by the Chipman Agricultural Society and featured a Kids Craft Corner, Christmas Market, Santa Claus Parade, Wagon Rides and Turkey Dinner.

Chipman resident and crafter Evelyn McNaughton said it was a lot of fun and the food was awesome. Evelyn was one of about 325 people who attended the complimentary Turkey Dinner. It was also the first time that she’s ever been a vendor at a market. She showcased a variety of items that she embroidered and said there was a good response by shoppers.

From L-R: Rob Olsen, Joanne Williams, Tina Cosby and Joe Melnick.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

McNaughton was one of 18 vendors who showcased their special talents and creations at the market.

Cash and food donations were encouraged at the Turkey Dinner and a total of $1,224.35 and 60 pounds of food was raised for the County of Lamont Food Bank.

Every year the Chipman Ag. Society has a Christmas tree in Centennial Park and this year it was gifted by the Second Chance Trail Ride Society which raises awareness of organ and tissue donation.

Christmas market items for sale.

(Amelia Davis/Submitted Photo)

Annual Christmas Home Business and Makers Market

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Around 600 people had a chance to buy one of a kind items from 25 vendors at the Annual Christmas Home Business and Makers Market at the Senior Citizen Sunshine Club of Vegreville on Nov. 19.

Coordinator Jennifer Hladilo said, “We partnered with Vegreville Farmers’ Market to host this sale. First and foremost we offer this sale to support local home businesses. It is one of the many events on the day branded as ‘A Very Vegreville Christmas’. As well, I like hosting this sale because I enjoy organizing. This event is also a great social outing, we had a pre-draw where people could win a voucher that they could spend at the market, and there was a door prize of a basket of products from each vendor. Also, everyone who purchased something received a free Vegreville Farmers’ Market bag.

We relocated from the library to the sunshine club the last few years because of the pandemic and we love having it there.”

There were some new home based businesses at this sale. One of these was Sock Junkies. Kim Westaway from Mundare said, “The Sock Junkies are a couple of friends who thought selling socks would be a fun project. Jennifer Hladilo from Vegreville and myself teamed up in August and together we started our sock company. We have novelty socks and diabetic and medium compression socks. We have socks that fit little feet up to size 16 adult.

One of the best parts of our job is watching all the shoppers smiling as they purchase the socks,” Kim said.

People shopping at the sale.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Vendor Rosanne Mistal Rozka

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Another new vendor, Rosanne Mistal Rozka who used to live in Vegreville and now lives in Lac La Biche was the Representative for Sunset Gourmet which has 50 gluten free products available. “We have products that are sodium friendly as well. There are mixes to make bread, desserts, dips, drink mixes and sauces. They are very versatile, the dips and sauces can be used in a variety of different ways.

I also have the home business called Handy Hobbit Creations where I make crocheted which I have done for about 28 years during my spare time. I love to make things for people for gifts,” Rosanne said. Representative for VWF Teresa Ryder was at this sale where she helped sell tickets for the Vegreville Wildlife Federation

People shopping at the sale.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

(VWF) annual raffle where the funds will go to help the upkeep of the archery building and the equipment. “I am also trying to create awareness about starting a Women’s Archery Club. We would meet one night a week. You will need a membership to VWF to join.”

Yvonne and Kevin Bertin were vendors for the Natures Beauty booth. Yvonne said she makes the barn board and drift wood bases with Kevin. “We wanted each item to look like realistic nature scenes.” Yvonne said.

Town of Viking Ushers in Holiday Season

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Town of Viking pulled out all the stops to light up the Christmas season for its annual Christmas Lights Parade on Nov. 18.

Chief Administrative Officer Doug Lefsrud said it’s the 9th year the Town of Viking has hosted the parade and said there were a total of 20 entries. “That’s the most entries ever,” he remarked.

Members of the Viking Gas Kings

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Santa greets parade goers.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Vehicles were lined up all down Main Street for the parade which brought much excitement and fun for kids of all ages. Entrants wound their way around Extendicare and Vialta Lodge before making its way back to the staging area near the Viking Troll Park where the Christmas tree was light up.

Pastor Scott Reynolds of the Viking United Church shared a special message and prayer on behalf of the Viking Ministerial Association. Candles were lit and a Pastor Reynolds led in the singing of Angels We Have Heard on High.

Prayer and song by candlelight. From L-R: Doug Lefsrud, Kalene Taylor, Marlene Taylor, Pastor Scott Reynolds, MLA Jackie Lovely and Councillor Clint Nearing.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Collecting Christmas Hamper donations

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Stationed outside the Carena was an RCMP cruiser. Members of the Viking RCMP detachment, along with representatives from or Victim fax to Services 780.632.7981 and Family and Community Support Services were on hand to collect donations for Christmas hampers.

Inside the Carena, people were enjoying hot dogs and hot chocolate while visiting, and there were visits with Santa as well as public skating to round out the evening’s festivities.

Singalong Brings Joy to All

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Around 33 people attended in person and three participated by Zoom at the First Annual Good Ol’ Gospel Singalong at St. Mary’s the Virgin Anglican Church in Vegreville on Nov. 17.

This event featured the local music group, Companions on the Journey, with musicians Jim Braggs, Lisa Topilko and Janet Rowlands. They lead the singalong and people had a chance to sing to classic folk songs, spiritual songs, and even African American spiritual songs. Many people in the crowd were clapping along to these songs.

Companions on the Journey from L-R: Jim Braggs, Lisa Topilko, and Janet Rowlands.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rev. Laureta Blondin said this event was a fundraiser for their church. A total of $500 was raised. “All in all, it was a success as many people wanted to know when the next one would be and that is a better measure of success than the amount of money raised.”

People who attended offered their impressions. Peter Dobbie said he loved the gospel singalong because the notes were written in a nice low key sing along way that was so simple that even the husbands could sing along to the songs.

Connie Baxandall said she loved it. “I think it is beautiful when everyone gets together and sings. It is great therapy for the soul.”