Minnedosa Tribune
ALL SYSTEMS GO
DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE
Flashing blue and yellow lights were showcased as employees of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) were called out once again to kick-off the week, removing the heavy snow accumulations off highways, with upwards of 20 centimeters received in some locales. The MTI’s new Track My Plow app will help Manitobans plan their winter commutes without worry.
Santa Claus Parade lights up the community
This past Saturday evening, Minnedosa’s Main Street transformed into a sparkling corridor of holiday cheer as the annual Santa Claus Parade brought the community together to celebrate the festive season on Dec. 7.
This beloved event, organized by the Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce and coordinated by Brooklyn Heino, has become a
cherished tradition since its revival eight years ago.
While the parade took a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has returned better than ever, with tremendous joy for the children, back to its former glory. This year, the parade was also seamlessly woven into the broader festivities of “Christmas in the Valley,” which featured activities for all ages and culminated with the lighting of the Memory Lights at Heritage Village.
The parade route started just west of the Personal Care Home, travelling down Main Street, north past Blazers, and concluding at Heritage Village. Families lined the streets with blankets and hot cocoa in hand, enjoying the clear weather that blessed this year’s celebration.
Over 20 floats participated in the parade, with vibrant displays by local businesses, churches, and service groups. While the exact themes of the floats remained a de-
lightful surprise until the event, each one brought a unique touch of creativity and holiday spirit.
Adding a festive note of thrilling sirens and flashing lights to the parade were the town’s emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and a police cruiser, contributing to the spectacle of lights and reassuring everyone’s safety.
Earlier in the day, the joyous spirit of the season came to life as Santa Claus made a delightful appearance at the Community Cen-
ter. Children eagerly lined up to capture precious memories, posing with the jolly figure in front of a stunningly adorned backdrop with sparkling lights and festive decorations.
The afternoon was brimming with holiday cheer, featuring enchanting horse-drawn wagon rides that meandered through our beautiful valley’s white winter wonderland.
DONALD BERGER Minnedosa Tribune