by Morinville Online Staff
The Town of Morinville’s annual Lite Up the Nite Festival will take place over three days this year from Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 27, with two popular components of the annual Christmas festival returning—fireworks and the parade along 100 Avenue.
“We’re proud of our Lite Up the Nite offerings. Because of the support of so many corporate sponsors, community groups, and volunteers, Lite Up the Nite continues to grow each year,” said Teena Hughson, Community Engagement and Partnerships Specialist in a Town media release sent our Monday evening.
This year’s parade is open to any business, non-profit or community group, and those interested in participating can fill out an application form by the end of the day on Monday, Nov. 21.
A new event taking place on the Friday evening this year at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre is called the “Cause” Play Community Christmas Dance. The event, presented by McDonald’s, lets participants dress up in a costume while supporting two charities. Admission is free; however, attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy donation to support the Ronald McDonald House Magic Room. Additionally, monies made from the concession and face painting will support the annual Morinville Adopt-A-Family campaign.
Tickets are now available to Morinville residents from the Morinville Community Cultural Centre box office during regular operating hours with proof of residency. Tickets will be available to non-residents starting online Friday, Nov. 11, by visiting Ticketpro and from the MCCC box office, during regular operating hours, starting Monday, Nov. 14. There will be a limit of 8 tickets issued to any one person aged 17 and over.
Below is a schedule of events for this year’s festival:
Friday, November 25
- Fill a Truck in support of the Morinville Food Bank
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sobeys, 10003 100 Street, Morinville
and 2 to 6 p.m. at No Frills, 8901 100 Street, Morinville
Drop off your donations of food or cash to support the Morinville Food Bank.
- An Old-Fashioned Christmas
12 to 5 p.m., Musée Morinville Museum, 10010 101 Street, Morinville
View Christmas artifacts from the past and pick up a kit to make an ornament.
- NEW EVENT – A “Cause” Play Community Dance presented by McDonald’s
7 to 9:30 p.m., Morinville Community Cultural Centre, 9502 100 Avenue, Morinville
Saturday, November 26
- A Festive Family Festival
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Morinville Community Cultural Centre, 9502 100 Avenue, Morinville
Free keepsake photo with Santa, sponsored by OK Tire Morinville, crafts, caroling, balloon twister and more.
- An Old-Fashioned Christmas
12 to 7 p.m., Musée Morinville Museum, 10010 101 Street, Morinville
View Christmas artifacts from the past and pick up a kit to make an ornament.
- Indoor Lite Up the Nite Parade Viewing
5 to 6 p.m., Town Hall, 10125 100 Avenue, Morinville
We provide a warm, accessible environment for our seniors or other residents who are unable to enjoy the parade because of the challenges presented by the outdoors. This program is free, but you must register by November 23.
- Free Hot Chocolate and Popcorn
5 p.m., while quantities last, Morinville Community Library, 10125 100 Avenue, Morinville
Pick up a cup of hot chocolate and free popcorn served by the Morinville Community Library.
- Lite Up the Nite Parade
5:30 p.m., parade will travel west on 100 Avenue, starting at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre, ending on 102 Street, Morinville
Participation in the Morinville Lite Up the Nite Christmas Festival Parade is free for all businesses, non-profit groups, and organizations. To submit an entry, please complete an application form by the end of the day on Monday, November 21.
- Lite Up the Park
6 p.m., St. Jean Baptiste Park, 10010 101 Street, Morinville
Join us for special ceremony and dedication as Mayor Boersma, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus “Lite Up the Park” with colourful lights and light displays.
- Fireworks presented by 96.3 The Breeze
7 p.m., Notre Dame Park, 530 Grandin Drive, Morinville
Spectacular high-level fireworks show can be enjoyed from nearly any place in Morinville and will surely Lite Up the Nite.
Sunday, November 27
- Free Holiday Family Skate hosted by Champion Pet Foods
12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Landrex Arena, Morinville Leisure Centre, 25126 SH642, Sturgeon County
Skate with an ‘Ice Queen and Spidey Hero’, take a selfie with Santa and purchase sweet treats sold by the Association Canadienne-Française de l’Alberta (ACFA).
Visit www.morinville.ca/lutn for a full listing of events and details about them.
