The Oxbow community had an exciting start to the Christmas season. The celebrations started on Nov. 28 with the traditional Christmas in Oxbow kaleidoscope of activities.
“It was a great evening even though the weather was a bit nippy, we still had lots and lots of people out enjoying all the activities and festivities of the evening,” said Tami Scott, the Town of Oxbow’s community development officer.
And the night had a lot to offer. Various stores in town stayed open late, allowing citizens to have a good start on their Christmas shopping. The home-based vendor fair took place at the Friendship Centre.
Southern Plains Co-op offered hayrides, while those who are more into sports had a chance to play some street hockey with the Estevan Bruins who were out.
The Oxbow Public Library hosted a kids’ shopping night.
“In the community, they donate items, new or gently used items, and kids get to go there, and they are priced very low so that kids can afford to buy gifts for their family members,” explained Scott.
St. Peter Lutheran Church in Oxbow did a Christmas live Nativity Scene, which they do every year and is always a big success. They also had some hot chocolate out and did some carolling.
The tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. was one of the main attractions of the night with a lot of people present. The draw for the community gift baskets was held at the same time, which attracted even more people to the event. All the gifts were donated by the members of the Oxbow Business Association.
And to put a cherry on the cake there were pictures and treats with Santa.
To ensure that nobody leaves hungry there was a free delicious chili supper served to all guests.
Christmas in Oxbow has evolved through the years, but it became a beautiful tradition a long time ago.
“There’s been a variety of formats, but definitely we’ve had an event in late November – early December for the last 30 years,” said Scott.
The town was decorated prior to the main Christmas-related event of the year, and the decorations will be up until next year.
