A popular Christmastime tradition, the Lacombe Rotary Carol Festival is coming up Dec. 3-4 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the concerts starting at 7 p.m.
"This event has been happening for over 65 years in our beautiful city, and is an opportunity for local musicians to showcase their talents," said Club member Ingrid Luymes.
Cash donations will be accepted for Santa’s Anonymous gifts for teens, and food donations will also be accepted for the Lacombe Food Bank.
Last year, $1,130.20 was raised for Santa's Anonymous, and 281 lbs. of food donations were ultimately collected as well.
There is also a wide range of performances over the two nights, said Luymes.
"We have four groups per night that will be performing."
On Dec. 3, things will start with the Lacombe Lions Community Band, followed by The Cats and the Fiddles (led by local music teacher Laurie Maetche), the Terrace Ridge School Choir, and the Singing Strings (also led by Maetche).
Highlights include Snow Day Celebration and American Bell Carol by the Lacombe Lions Community Band; Snow is Falling and A Holiday Waltz (The Singing Strings); Music in the Air, and Snow Day! by the Terrace Ridge School Choir, and Ding Dong Merrily on High and L'Air Noelle by The Cats and the Fiddles.
On Dec. 4, Flat Iron Jazz will be playing, and then the Grades 4 and 5 classes from the Lacombe Upper Elementary School (E.L.E.U.S.), along with the school's Music Club -- all led by Bob Epp - will hit the stage.
Flat Iron Jazz will be performing Rudolph Takes Five, and O Come O Come Emmanuel;
The elementary school's Grade 4 class will perform Sweet Dreams and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The Grade 5 class will be presenting Five Days to Christmas, and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, and the school's Music Club will wrap up the evening with We Need Christmas and Light of Christmas.
"The passion that the Rotary Club has for Lacombe, and for our community, shows up in the Rotary Carol Festival," said Luymes.
"I love that the festival is an opportunity for local children and groups to perform, and to gain confidence. It also gives parents those moments to see their children up on stage doing something that they are passionate about.
"It's a community effort, and it embraces the musical talents that the (region) has to offer. We also want to help spread the joy of the Christmas spirit!"
For more about the Lacombe Rotary Club, find them on Facebook or visit www.lacomberotary.ca. You can also email info@lacomberotary.ca.
