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Traditional Christmas event returns to Plamondon

Santa came to Plamondon early, making an appearance on his sleigh at the Historical Chapelle Society grounds last weekend to celebrate a traditional Christmas experience from the past.

PLAMONDON - Santa came to Plamondon early, making an appearance on his sleigh at the Historical Chapelle Society grounds last weekend to celebrate a traditional Christmas experience from the past.

“We want the kids to see an old-fashioned Christmas with hot chocolate, campfire and horse-rides as we did traditionally in the past when it wasn’t just about presents,” said Crystal Plamondon, the French Canadian Association of Alberta’s (L’ACFA) cultural director for Plamondon and Lac La Biche.

Growing up, she said, playing in the snow, sitting around the fire, and seeing Santa surrounded by all the little festivities with family and friends around was a personal experience she hoped to bring back to the community and for the kids.

“Christmas is about love. I'm just happy to see all the kids laughing again and the kids getting to experience their first horse ride,” she said as the outdoor festivities got underway.

The event included photos with Santa on his sleigh with his elves handing out treats, horse-drawn wagon rides,  tobogganing and free, hot beverages throughout the day.

Since becoming the cultural director three years ago, Plamondon has been looking for ways to bring more of the historic and family-fun events that the Francophone community has grown to love over the years. Last year’s COVID-caused cancellation of the event put a temporary crimp into those plans — but this year’s response, turning the historic area where the St. Isidore Parish church was built over a century ago, into a loud and festive outdoor play area, was fantastic, she said.

“This year, it’s all outside, it’s safe. We also wanted to celebrate our church that was built in 1910 and this beautiful historic Chapelle organization grounds,” Plamondon said, thanking the local supporters and local businesses who sponsored the fun day.

The L’ACFA office is planning another community event for March of next year, bringing back the traditional Cabane a Sucre celebration, which was also sidelined due to pandemic restrictions over the last two years. More information on that French Canadian classic, which includes traditional maple syrup rolled into snow, cultural performances and historic displays, will be updated in the coming weeks.

The hamlet of Plamondon is one of half a dozen communities in Alberta with official Francophone status.

 

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