VENICE - Bright, sunny skies, slightly crisp temperatures and a charming rural atmosphere set the tone for the first-ever ‘A Magical Christmas in Venice,’ held Dec. 9 from 1-4 p.m. at the Venice Heritage Park.
The community event was a festive preview to the Christmas week.
Throughout the afternoon, festive music played from loudspeakers at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church on the park-site located about 15 kilometres southwest of the Lac La Biche hamlet.
Wagons replace sleighs for rides
The weather was nice enough for the large group of people who attended the fun-filled community event to roast wieners around a campfire. The weather was almost too nice, in fact, as the lack of any seasonal snow on the ground altered plans for horse-drawn sleigh rides — instead making them horse-drawn wagon rides through the eight-acre park. The festive tone could also be felt inside the church, where people warmed up with hot chocolate and hot dogs, and browsed the selection of locally-made treats that were on display for the bake sale.
Old St. Nick himself took some time away from his busy schedule to make an appearance at the event along with one of his elves, socializing with families in attendance.
The Christmas-themed event was hosted by the Venice-Hylo Historical and Preservation Society. using the event as a fundraiser.
