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Almost Midnight Madness almost upon us

It’s the most magical night of the year — if you like incredible sales, fireworks, sleigh rides, hot chocolate and lights, that is.
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It’s the most magical night of the year — if you like incredible sales, fireworks, sleigh rides, hot chocolate and lights, that is.

Get some of your Christmas shopping done locally while enjoying the festivities on offer during Almost Midnight Madness in Ponoka’s downtown on Friday, Nov. 22.

Hosted by the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce, the biggest shopping event of the year has something for everyone.

”Almost Midnight Madness will be bigger and better than ever,” said chamber executive manager Heather Bendara.

Indeed, there is a brand new event his year — a Santa Claus parade that will wind through downtown, starting things off at about 5 p.m. and ending at the old library building.

Several entries for the parade have been received and there is still room for more. Anyone can enter; businesses, non-businesses and individuals are welcome, so come get in on the fun.

The tree lighting at the old town hall location will start around 5:30 p.m. and there will be no shortage of cookies, cocoa and hot dogs.

Kids will have a chance to visit with Santa, and a rather green, grumpy fellow may also make an appearance.

“I am waiting confirmation but rumour from Whoville is The Grinch might show up.”

During all the festivities, the community market will be running inside the old library building from 3 to 9 p.m.

Fancy a ride in a horse-drawn wagon? The town is sponsoring wagon rides through downtown from 6 to 8 p.m.

If you miss the tree lighting, there will be two other chances to see some spectacular light displays.

PARCS will be lighting up the Centennial Park at about 7 p.m. and the fireworks, sponsored by the town and Ponoka County, will spark off at 8:30 p.m.

Ponoka Food Bank

Stop by the Ponoka News office during Almost Midnight Madness with a donation of cash or food for the Ponoka Food Bank and take home a gift certificate. Ponoka News will have a tree full of enevlopes with local business gift certificates inside. When you donate, pick an envelope from the tree.

Dates to remember

Other Christmas season dates to keep in mind are Passport to Christmas from Nov. 12 to Dec. 26, Kid’s Christmas Shopping Party and Pictures with Santa Dec. 7 at St. Augustine School.



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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