The Grinch that stole the holiday light show
One of Edmonton’s most popular festive season traditions will vanish from the heart of downtown for two years, thanks to construction in and around Churchill Square.
The Downtown Business Association’s Holiday Light Up — running for the past two decades — won’t go ahead this year or next because of public safety concerns with renovations and construction underway in and around Churchill Square and the LRT station.
That means plans to erect a giant 21-metre (70-foot) tall Christmas tree have been shelved, as have the stage show, fireworks display and a visit from Santa.
Executive director Ian O’Donnell said the association looked at other locations to host the event, but none were practical.
“We love the event,” O’Donnell said. “It’s a great way to bring people downtown
We felt it was better to not disappoint people with a lesser event and to postpone it for a couple of years ...
and showcase downtown and bring holiday spirit to a lot of Edmontonians and we certainly intend to bring it back as soon as we can.
“We felt it was better to not disappoint people with a lesser event and to postpone it for a couple of years, and bring it back with all of its glory in 2019.”
One of the biggest hurdles was the 60-tonne tree base, which, because of its weight, could not be put in Churchill Square or at City Hall. Traditionally, it would be placed on 102A Avenue, but because 102 Avenue and 99 Street are both closed, that thoroughfare needed to be left open for emergency access, O’Donnell said.
In lieu of the downtown celebration, the association is working on several other seasonal events to help make the downtown core more festive and inviting for families.
Plans include a holiday window display contest for downtown businesses, a partnership with the City Market to bring Santa to City Hall every Saturday in December, illuminating City Hall Plaza with coloured, ornamental balls around the skating rink, and supporting Santa’s Parade of Lights through a major sponsorship/partnership.