Drive-thru style Old Tyme Christmas this weekend

Darlene Keeler, promotions chair and Old Tyme Christmas head elf says their volunteers have worked hard to plan the 11th annual event.

It’s a drive-thru style from 4 pm -7 pm at the Cypress Centre parking lot. The committee has been working closely with AHS to provide a safe public event.

Enter through gate one and follow directional signage and volunteers to the food tent for your free hot dog and goodie bag.

You have to remain in your vehicle the whole time unless you are coming out to see Santa.

He will be there for photos only, and parents are asked to wear a mask while taking pictures. Children can pose in front of his sleigh.

Keeler says this event is the start of many people’s Christmas and they wanted to continue the tradition.

“My heart beats very quickly, it’s just overwhelming for me to see the families come through and appreciate everything that is at the Stampede Grounds. Our former Old Tyme Christmas we used to have hayrides, we had smores and all this but with the virus and everything we changed it a little bit and it’s going to be just the same,” Keeler told Chat News.

Meantime, the annual Christmas Farmers Market will be virtual this year.

Coordinator Doreen Gunderson says shoppers are able to contact vendors through an event on the Stampede’s Facebook page.

From there, you can set up your purchases, pick-up, and payment.

The market is on right now, and you will have until December 21 to do your shopping.

Gunderson says it’s an alternative and safe way to find the vendors, “We get plenty of support during our summer season so what we’re looking forward to is the winter season where you come out and support our local vendors and do local Christmas shopping.”

The link to the virtual Christmas Farmers Market can be found by visiting this link.

More on Old Tyme Christmas is available on the Stampede’s website.

by Chantal Wagner

Drive-thru style Old Tyme Christmas this weekend

Our Community