by Ronda Payne
It’s a long-standing tradition in Aldergrove to kick off the Christmas season with the Elks’ annual Children’s Christmas Party and the Christmas Light Up Parade.
A relative newcomer to the action is the parade after-party hosted by the Aldergrove Business Association (ABA).
It’s an afternoon and evening filled with free-family fun and celebration on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Rob Wilson and Mike O’Grady of the ABA noted that the multiple activities make up an opportunity for families and friends to celebrate throughout the day in a variety of different ways.
“It’s the 22nd Children’s Christmas Celebration, put on by the Aldergrove Elks and the Aldergrove Agricultural Fair and Festival Association’s 23rd parade,” O’Grady said.
“At just our third year with the parade after-party. We’re the newcomers.”
Wilson noted that the parade after-party made sense because residents already come out for the other activities.
“It’s an opportunity for our members to say thanks to the community that supports local business,” he said.
“It gives ABA members a chance to give back to the community.”
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The festivities kick off at 3:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Legion at 26607 Fraser Hwy. for the Children’s Christmas Celebration. Santa, Queen Elsa and Cinderella will all be on hand for pictures. Madam Butterfly will do face painting, a balloon artist will bend creations, there will also be music, door prizes and even hot dogs and other refreshments.
When the children’s party ends at 5:30 p.m. it’s time to get a spot along Fraser Highway from Old Yale Road to 273rd Street to take in the Christmas Light Up Parade. Parade chair Karen Long called the day a real community affair.
“The Aldergrove Christmas Light Up Parade is the Township of Langley’s Christmas parade that celebrates our community and includes our sports teams, Girl Guides and Scouts, our businesses, non-profit organizations, our local politicians, dancers and seniors,” she said.
The parade lasts about 30 to 45 minutes with typically 30 to 40 entries. Participants are encouraged to light up their entries.
The one to watch for is Santa Claus who takes the spot of honour at the end of the procession. Santa will lead everyone back to the parking lot at 27309 Fraser Hwy. for the after-party.
This year’s after-party includes music from local choirs and refreshments. Kids can write their wishes to Santa and put them in the special North Pole mailbox.
Donations will be collected for the food bank, and pictures with Santa and the lighting of the official Aldergrove Christmas tree will be at about 7:15 p.m.
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A colouring contest for children aged eight and under will determine who gets to light the tree as well as receive a basket of goodies from ABA merchants.
Other gifts will be awarded for the colouring contest winners and the winner of the draw for the Havoc Storm scooter from Cranky’s Bike Shop will be announced as well.
Families looking to kick off the holiday season will find it as easy as a trip to Aldergrove on Saturday thanks to a number of sponsors and supporters including the Township, Langley RCMP and Valley Traffic Systems.
