Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
It was the first of many community gatherings at Jasper鈥檚 World Tree on Friday as the lights were officially switched on.
The World Tree, in Robson Park opposite the library, is a tree for the community.
Marcia DeWandel said at the lighting event: 鈥淭his space is for everybody, this space is for you.
鈥淪o, bring your guitars and bring your hotdogs and do whatever you want.鈥�
The giant tree has been decorated by local children and members of the community.
Anyone is welcome to add ornaments to the World Tree at any time. They should be weather friendly and not food based, and they will be dispersed higher on the tree at a later date.
鈥淚t looks amazing,鈥� said DeWandel on Friday.
鈥淣ow, I think we should light this place up and make it look more magical.鈥�
Penny Bayfield and daughter Addison Hutton took to the stage and led the countdown to the tree鈥檚 illumination.
And as the tree glowed, onlookers gasped, cheered and took in the festive sight.
Jasper Community Choir sang Christmas carols and Jasper writer Niki Wilson told stories of bygone winters.
And children played in the snow as more was pouring from the sky, while fingers were kept warm by the fire.
Hot chocolate, hot cider, cookies and ornaments were on sale from Santas Anonymous, with all funds raised going back to the initiative.
Brett Newton, coordinator of Santas Anonymous, said: 鈥淎ll funds go back into our community.
鈥淚t is a boost to help people who need it over the holiday season, giving food, gifts and joy..鈥�
Further Santas Anonymous fundraisers are coming up too, with Skate with Santa at the arena on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m, and Ugly Holiday Sweater Day on December 20.
Other festive events in Jasper coming up include Jasper United Church鈥檚 Christmas Tea at the McCready Centre tonight (December 12) from 7 p.m., a Christmas Craft Fair at Coco鈥檚 Cafe on December 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the museum鈥檚 Winter Market on December 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Community Christmas Party at the Activity Centre on December 20 from 6 p.m.
World Tree organizers thanked Jasper Municipal Council, Jasper Community Choir, Parks Canada and Jasper Volunteer Fire Brigade for their support.
