STURGIS — The spirit of Christmas welcomed Christmas goers to Santa’s Meet and Greet special evening in the Sturgis Park by the river on Dec. 3. The event was sponsored by the Sturgis Recreation Board and kicked off with a bonfire, roasted hot-dogs, hot chocolate and horse-drawn wagon rides. Lloyd Smith of Pelly provided the horse-drawn wagon rides with Shanna Lippert and Morgan Wallington doing the driving of the wagon.
The highlight of the evening featured the arrival of Santa Claus, accompanied by The Grinch. The Crossroads Credit Union staff handed out treat bags, and various other businesses helped in making the event a success. Christmas carollers added to the festive mood of the evening.
Sturgis Park was also once again decorated with lights as some businesses participated in decorating a campsite. Businesses and individuals who participated were Crosscuts Hair and Nail Studio; Crossroads Credit Union; Gateway Co-op, Sturgis Living Faith and Word Church, Town of Sturgis; Kristen Peterson with students from the Sturgis Composite School grades 8-10; and Karen and Walter Rose, who decorated the town.
Three members of the U18 Prairie Ice all-girls hockey team, Morgan Olson, Makayla Johnson, and Rylee Coleman, volunteered to serve hot dogs.
This year, four trees were dedicated in honour of four families: Charles Babiuk; Wayne Barsby; John Sather, Patricia Sather-Olson and Alfred Olson, and Frank and Anne Sopel.
“Thank you to everyone who attended our Santa's Meet and Greet despite the cold temperatures”, stated Andrea Sopel, Recreation Director. “The support from Sturgis and the surrounding community was once again overwhelming and so appreciated. Special thanks to all the volunteers, the businesses. Many thanks to Santa for making time in his busy schedule for us, she concluded.
