The Woodlawn Regional Park wrapped up another successful Festival of Lights season, concluding the holiday tradition that has become a staple of community joy and togetherness. Running from the kickoff event, Christmas in the Park, to New Year’s Day, the festival drew thousands of visitors and rave reviews.
“Christmas in the Park is always a great kickoff,” said Maureen Daoust, the manager of Woodlawn Regional Park. “It’s a free event for everybody, and lots of people thoroughly enjoyed our fireworks show. This year, we added music to the fireworks, which made it even more special.”
The Festival of Lights featured approximately 55 displays, up from 49 last year. Seven new participants joined, highlighting the growing interest and dedication among local businesses and community organizations. Participants even had the option to include personalized Christmas greetings via an FM transmitter that played festive music as visitors drove through the displays.
Despite this success, the only notable feedback from attendees was a request to extend the festival.
The Festival of Lights and Christmas in the Park are designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. “It’s important to us that these events remain free,” Daoust emphasized. “Whether you’re financially strapped during the holidays or just looking for something festive, you can come to enjoy the lights and events without any barriers.”
Christmas in the Park included a wide array of activities, such as free hot dogs and hot chocolate, crafts from the Estevan Art Gallery, a photo with Santa, a horse and wagon ride, and the much-anticipated fireworks. “It’s a great way to give back to the community and spread holiday cheer,” Daoust added.
As the community looks forward to a new year, Woodlawn Regional Park is gearing up for its busy camping season. Applications for seasonal and short-term camping have already started rolling in, with waitlists filling for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the park continues to provide winter activities such as trail walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making it a year-round haven for residents. “It’s great to see people coming down, enjoying the peace, and exploring the park in the quieter months,” Daoust said.