The residents of Macklin came together to get into the Christmas spirit and support local businesses this past Friday at their Christmas in our Town event. The Macklin Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual event which included everything from sleigh rides, street hockey and a Christmas sound stage where locals as young as five-years-old, sharing their musical talents.

Kelsie Valliere, social committee coordinator, said she has been involved with the event for the last five years and it’s great to see familiar faces year after year and is also encouraging to see new people joining the festivities.

“It’s really a great event, we have Mall in Hall which allows businesses on Main Street to stay open a little bit later and lets people support local business owners while also getting into the Christmas spirit,” said Valliere.

The sound stage was added to the celebrations last year for the very first time, and this year, the Macklin Chamber of Commerce built a new stage for local artists to perform on as they hope the musical talents displayed will continue for years to come. A total of 13 locals displayed their talent for spectators to enjoy and included kids and adults performing vocal solos, piano duets and guitar solos.

In addition to spreading Christmas cheer within the town, it was the final draw for the Chamber’s, Grand in Your Hand contest, which encourages residents to shop local. The contest which started mid-November, gives shoppers one entry into a draw for cash prizes every time they make a purchase at a local store. November 23rd was their first draw which was for $100 followed by their second draw on November 30th for $250 and finally the grand prize of $1000 was drawn during Friday nights festivities and was awarded to D. Shaw of Senlac.

Valliere said this year’s turn-out was great, perhaps in part to the warmer weather but she said it’s always a favourite and looks forward to the event growing each year as it continues to bring the community together.