“Other businesses had functions going on as well in conjunction and there were over 140 people in attendance during the ceremony, enjoying a hot chocolate or a sweet treat. With the weather so unseasonably mild, many people stayed to enjoy the activities and watch the parade as well. It was a wonderful evening and a great way to kick off the weekend festivities and the holiday season here in Boissevain,” stated Perkins.
The Christmas lighting parade fell together quickly. Originally cancelled, Perkins said Audrey Pashcke and Christina Ducharme organized the event. She said the parade was short and sweet this year with 10 entries, but there were plenty in attendance and there were very creative and unique participants. Again, the warm weather helped a great deal.
Saturday was Santa Day, with most events held this year in the Legion Hall. Lorraine Houston of the Boissevain Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Santa Day Committee explained that in 2020, COVID meant Santa was quarantined in his workshop and could not make his annual visit to town. By 2021, he was able to do an outdoor visitation at the ArtsPark. In 2022, the world was opening up.
“With the unpredictable health restrictions during the pandemic the last two years, it is great to see the magic of Santa back, live and in-person,” Houston said.
She said the Santa Day events were likely the best attended in recent years. Previous to the pandemic, Santa was hosted at the Curling Club. However, with growing attendance, they decided to find a bigger space and the Legion fit the bill.
The Lions pancake breakfast started the day, with around 130 kids and adults stopping by for breakfast. The fire department delivered Santa at 9:30am and he listened to wish lists for two hours. About 70 families with 135 children were able to have their special time with Mr. Kringle.
The childrens’ craft tables were busy all morning, and the Peace Garden provided a wood Christmas decoration. Cookie decorations were done with Hillbilly Hills Cookies, and a snowman craft was also available from Prairie Partners with help from Boissevain School students. Mr. Circus brought great entertainment with juggling and plate spinning.
Lunch was hosted by the Boissevain Curling Club, serving 75 people. In the afternoon, Seniors’ Services held their turkey bingo and about 100 people, along with their lucky charms, participated to win one of 20 turkeys.
“It is great to reconnect in person.”
A new event was the Go Wild for Christmas Holiday Market, hosted at the Goodon Wildlife Museum on both Saturday and Sunday. Perkins said there were around 225 total visitors over the weekend. An array of local and visiting artisans displaying and selling everything from walleye leather products to baking to macramé filled the museum.
“We were so pleased with the success of this first holiday market event at the Wildlife Museum,” stated Verna McCausland, museum supervisor.
Perkins felt it was a great addition to the weekend.
“We are always looking for ways to think outside the box and find new ways and opportunities to bring visitors into our community and to explore our local attractions and visit our local businesses and eateries”, she explained. “The Holiday Market provided a unique setting in the museum’s off-season to invite people in to explore while shopping for some very unique items and holiday gifts. The more we can offer as an attraction to bring people in and shopping here in Boissevain, especially on the weekends, the better. The event ended up coinciding with a large U13 Boissevain Minor Hockey Tournament and that worked out well. There are more plans in the works for other off-season opportunities at the Wildlife Museum over the next year, so stay tuned for those.”
In the end, everyone worked together to make the full return of Santa Day, with additions, a success.
“The weekend of festive celebrations brought the community together to celebrate the season,” said Houston. “We have missed socializing with others and getting together, and the Christmas season is a good chance to do it.”
“It did take the community to pull the weekend events together and with the help of sponsorship from participating businesses, Chamber of Commerce and service clubs, it made it possible.”
“Overall we try to work with community groups, local businesses and other events as much as we can to build even bigger and stronger attractions for community members and visitors here in Boissevain,” Perkins added.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff