Rossland’s downtown was officially lit up for the season this weekend, with the annual Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas taking place on Saturday.
The day was a chance to get out and see Santa, have a hot chocolate and get in the holiday spirit.
It was also a chance to take a tour of the decorated storefronts and do some window shopping. Businesses had festive deals on offer and each store gave the chance to vow on the best storefront, as well as win a basket of goodies provided by the shops.
The Rossland Light Opera Players provided the festivities with music by roaming the streets as a merry band of carollers and Cafe Books West featured Christmas children’s storytelling.
There was an outdoor market off of Columbia Avenue, where you could buy crafts, cupcakes and other local items.
There were a number of groups fundraising around town as well, including the Rossland Figure Skating Club, the Rotary Club, Rossland Secondary School grads and the Lion Club. You could pick up a Christmas tree as part of the Red Mountain Racers’ fundraiser.
Fortis also gave an opportunity to exchange your old incandescent lights for LED strands which drastically cut down on holiday lighting costs.
At 1 p.m. Santa arrived from nearby Pioneer Park, escorted by a large crowd of kids and adults, as well as one as a firetruck. Kids could get their picture taken with Santa at the library.
Later that night, as the street lamps began to light up and the day faded, everyone gathered downtown for the lighting of the Christmas tree. After a count down from ten, the tree lit up and completed the city’s transition to holiday mode.
A fire pit was set up in Harry LeFevre Square, near the tree, to help warm up.
Later in the evening, the Spirit of Red hosted the Snowdance at the Miners’ Hall. It was a chance to get your feet moving and summon the snow gods. It was also a fundraiser for the soon-to-be unveiled Olaus Jeldness statue, which required some repairs after a long trip from China.
