The City of Lacombe has a new partner helping them light up Lacombe through the Light up the Night winter festival.
On Oct. 14th, the City of Lacombe announced that Edmonton-based global design firm Stantec would be the new presenting sponsor of the Light up the Night festival from 2014-2016.
As part of the sponsorship, Stantec presented the City of Lacombe with a $15,000 cheque, funds that will help support and grow the already popular winter festival.
Mayor Steve Christie said he was excited to have Stantec on board.
“I believe that this partnership is a recipe for success and on behalf of council I thank (Stantec) for their commitment to Lacombe and for helping to kick off the holiday season in style,” Christie stated in a release.
In his brief address during the announcement, Christie thanked Stantec for their contribution and spoke of how their commitment will ensure that Light up the Night continues to grow and be sustainable.
“With the popularity of this growing festival, there comes a need for financial commitments and a need for sponsors to carry on this remarkable event so I am pleased that Stantec has stepped up,” said Christie. “I’m thrilled to accept this gift from Stantec which sets a foundation on which we can build and ensure future success.”
Stantec Senior Vice President for Central Alberta Russ Wlad was not present at the announcement, but stated in a release that he too was looking forward to the new partnership.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to support an event that brings joy to a community where we live and work,” said Wlad.
“Many of our staff live in and around Lacombe and we’ve seen how significant this event has been for the community’s holiday celebrations in the last three years.”
Todd Simenson, senior principal for Stantec’s Water Group in Red Deer, spoke briefl y at the announcement saying that he is happy to continue his 12-year working relationship with Lacombe as a sponsor of the winter festival.
“We’re really looking forward to not just providing sponsorship but becoming an active participant in the event to make it successful,” said Simenson.
“Community is at the heart of what we do at Stantec and this opportunity allows us to participate in an event that brings business, residents and key community stakeholders together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season,” said Simenson.
The City has hosted the annual Light Up the Night festival since 2011 and the three-day event has become a great success capturing all of the tradition, heritage and charm of a good old-fashioned Christmas festival. This year’s event runs from Nov. 27th-29th.
Community and Economic Development Manager Guy Lapointe commented on how the festival has evolved from the simple light-up celebration for the City’s main light display at Lacombe Memorial Centre.
“Each year the festival grows in size and scope, with fantastic activities including Lumenight, a fireworks display, free movies, the Tim Horton’s Santa Clause Parade and a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season,” said Lapointe. “This year there will be several new surprises.”
Lapointe added that organizers are already considering extending the festival and starting it a day early to include another event. He also said that this year, the Tim Horton’s Santa Clause Parade will be one of the few held anywhere in Central Alberta.
For continuing updates on the Light up the Night festival, check www.heartoflacombe.ca.