Light Up Okotoks is returning soon.
This event kicks off the holiday season and has been around since 1992.
The annual celebration is held throughout downtown Okotoks and includes the lighting of the community Christmas tree, warm snacks and drinks, and of course, plenty of glowing lights.
It's happening on Friday, November 22, and according to Community Events Specialist Connie Drake says there will be plenty of activities for people to enjoy.
"So, very similar to last year, we are shutting down two kilometres worth of road, so it's a really big event zone," Drake explains. "It's the same footprint that we've had for a couple years now."
It's happening on Elizabeth Street, McRae Street, North Railway Street, Riverside Drive, and South Railway Street, causing all of these streets to be closed for the duration.
They are closing down the main street from Northridge Drive to the Art Gallery, on top of South Rail Street from Lineham Ave to Riverside Gate.
The closure of these streets is partly because of the wagon rides the Town is offering.
"For those wagon rides, we'll do the same thing as we have in previous years, where we'll stagger the times that the wagon ride registrations are open So, that it gives an equal opportunity for many people who are working through the day will have some registrations that open up at all times of day and night."
The wagon rides will pick people up and depart from the parking area in front of the library, head down Riverside Drive, and then make their way down the trails by Rim 2 Rim Tire.
Drake says that it is a magical event, as they will be installing lights in the trees along the trails the wagon rides will follow.
At Light Up, there will be a Kid's Zone, which is sponsored by Candian Tire, who will be on site promoting their Jumpstart program, which helps kids to get into sports.
Santa Claus is expected to make his way down from the North Pole and, according to Drake, not only will he make an appearance at the event, but there will also be an opportunity for people to take their photos with the jolly gentleman at the Art Gallery.
There will also be a gingerbread contest, their Tree of Warmth, the Fortis Party at the Plaza (which will feature a DJ), and a market hosted by Main Street Market.
"So, we should have somewhere between 30 and 40 vendors that are in that area. So, it's just a really cool outdoor Christmas Market," Drake explains.
The market was introduced last year, but they only had about 10 vendors.
This year, the main sponsor is Okotoks GM, who will light up several of their trucks to bring down to the event, on top of some inflatables and crafts for the kids.
They will also have something special happening in their area, but it's going to be left as a surprise.
There will also be a stage and entertainment zone, which will be taking place near the big OKOTOKS letters on McRae Street.
"We have some special characters who are joining us again this year. If you know, you know," Drake says with a chuckle.
Just like in previous years, there will be fire pits lined along the street, helping people stay warm.
Drake says the Town is inviting businesses to come down and set up a space in the event zone to engage with everyone who attends the event.
"It's a way for us to showcase the incredible business community that we have here in Okotoks."
There will also be photo booths, fire dancers, and a snow queen.
"And then, of course, the marque portion of the event is the lighting of the tree, which will happen at 7 p.m. Bookending the lighting of the tree, of course, we will have lots of our local choirs and some performances by local talent."
As part of the tree lighting, the Town is raffling off the chance for one lucky kid to flip the switch for the lights.
On top of that, Drake says there is going to be a lot of hot chocolate, coffee, candy canes, and food trucks at the event.
That's in addition to a lot of the businesses in the area staying open later than they usually do.
As always, they will be finishing the night off with fireworks.
"We have our fireworks at 9, and they are always such an amazing display of lights," Drake says. "They are just spectacular every single year and this year will be no exception to that."
The fireworks display will last between ten and fifteen minutes, and Drake says the fireworks are being shot off at Lineham Park, meaning the plaza by the Public Library will have a really good view of the show.
If there is anyone who wishes to sponsor Light Up Okotoks, there are still opportunities to do so.
During Light Up Okotoks, the Town will be handing out wristbands on which parents can write their phone numbers in case the child happens to wander off unattended.
The Town is also advising parents who bring their children to Light Up to take a photo of the child right before the event, so they have a current photo to show people in case they become separated.
The RCMP will also be on site, in partnership with the Okotoks Food Bank for their Cram-a-Cruiser drive, which will collect money and perishable items at the corner of Veterans Way and McRae Street.
Parking is always an issue during these events, so Drake says the Town be running a shuttle service.
The shuttle pickups will occur at Seaman Stadium and the Viking Rentals Centre.
To learn more about Light Up Okotoks, head over to the Town of Okotoks website.