Membertou gets festive
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
At this very time one year ago, I was one of the many Membertonians living in a hotel due to the Thanksgiving Day floods.
As “refugees” (as the little ones referred to us) we did not have the full opportunity to enjoy the dazzlingly decorated homes in our community over the winter months. As a result, I did not really feel all that festive last year. The spark just wasn’t lighting for me.
Now that we are back home in Membertou, the spirit of the season is very alive and very well, or at least getting a good warm-up. And it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas or “Poqji-Tli-Ankamkuk Staqe Nipi-Alasutmamk!”
Thank you to my good friend and mentor, Sifu Bernie Francis, for the Mi’kmaw translation.
I was not sure what topic to write about this month, and then remembered a beautiful sight from a few weeks back. Upon returning home from the mainland for a work trip, I was entering Membertou from the 7A interchange in the evening. From the highway and overpass, I could see some homes already lit for the holidays, and one particular home stood out the most.
Angelo and Trish LaPorte, if you are both reading this thank you for the idea and inspiration. Thank you even more for the amazing light job on the house.
Yes, from the highway and overpass, I could see the LaPorte’s home just beaming away, bestowing its light upon us all, and reinvigorating that seasonal spirit. Last year, our family did not do much decorating at all, but this year that’s all changed. Those festive feelings are back!
Every Christmas season, the LaPortes go all out with the decorating and the lights. If you ask why they do it, it’s very simple.
“It’s all worth it when you see the look on young kids’ faces.”
Their beautifully-lit home reminds me of the Griswolds in Christmas Vacation, or even the Flanders’ home on the very first Simpson’s holiday special.
Speaking of “Flanders,” Dean Christmas (Angelo and Trish’s uncle) already has his yard decorated beautifully with the Nativity scene and lights.
I may sound biased as a resident of Bradley Street, but we are rocking it with the Christmas lights so far. If you cruise down the block, you’ll see that our street is all decked out with dazzling colour schemes and even some music playing, if you listen carefully.
Also, please slow down in Membertou as our speed limit is 30 km/h. There’s no need to rush when taking in the beauty of our community, so take your time, slow down, and enjoy your visit.
On Bradley, you’ll see some of the seasonally-spectacular sights, whether you enter through Tupsi or the highway.
The MacDonald’s light-show is a true winter wonderland, the Marshalls is like a disco party, and the Youngs never disappoint with their spirited spectacle.
My neighbours the CabotChristmases’ traditional tunes nicely accentuate their cozy
home, while the Pauls’ decor greets us with some subtle elegance. Plus, you always must take a moment to visit the world famous Gingerbread house, fresh off its annual parade on Thursday evening.
As usual, I will probably be
adding more lights and decoration to the homestead as I always want more vibrant visuals. So come enjoy the sights and sounds of Membertou over the season as we would love to have you visit. Please remember again that the speed limit is 30 km/h.
Have you put up your lights yet? Show us your work as we would love to see it. Only 16 days until Christmas.
“It’s all worth it when you see the look on young kids’ faces.”
Angelo and Trish LaPorte