.JPG)
Carnduff's downtown was filled with holiday cheer Thursday night as the community gathered for the annual Downtown Carnduff Christmas.
The event, designed to support local businesses, also offered residents a chance to get into the festive spirit.
“It was a good night, we had lots of people out, lots of kids in the street. There was a lot happening downtown,” said Tara Beck, with the Town of Carnduff. “Businesses jumped right on board and had some late-night shopping. It was a really fun event.”
The event, which has run in the past with a brief pause, is now in its third consecutive year and is becoming a holiday tradition.
One of the most popular activities was the ping pong ball drop. Beck explained that local businesses sponsor ping pong balls that are distributed to children. The kids can redeem them at participating stores for special in-store offers. Businesses that aren’t open during the event often participate by contributing items for giveaways, while other organizations hand out event passes.
Additional highlights included a free movie at the local theatre, a market organized by the Market Day Group and the United Church women at the C Building, and hot dogs for attendees.
“Our fire department is always really good to jump on board, and they had a fire downtown for people to stop by and keep warm. It’s a great community — everyone came together for it,” Beck said.
Carnduff’s holiday celebrations continue next weekend with the Santa Parade, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The parade, organized by the town’s recreation department, has teamed up with the “Santa Cause” campaign to collect donations to fill a fire truck for families in need.
“People are pretty excited about it. It’s just fun to help get in the spirit,” said Beck.