treelighting 2011
Last year's Downtown Tree Lighting drew a good crowd at Market Square in Swift Current

The holiday season in Swift Current will officially kick off tonight with the annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting at Market Square.

"Things start to get going at around 6:45pm, then we'll have the greeting and the tree lighting shortly after that, and then we'll have a special arrival of Santa Claus, who'll pop by shortly around 7:00pm," said Gary Koebel, the President of the Swift Current Downtown Business Association. "We also have two teams this year of horse-drawn sleighs, so we'll have sleigh rides downtown. The radio station will be serving hot chocolate, the fire department will be hosting a bonfire, and we also got carolers and a bunch of kids from Central School doing a performance with Christmas carols as well."

Full interview with Gary Koebel from Wednesday

Downtown businesses will also be open late tonight to start off a busy Christmas shopping rush, and Koebel says the tree lighting is a great way to show off the downtown and encourage local shoppers to stay close to home for the holidays.

"There has been an awful lot of great things that have been happening downtown over the past year, and it's a great way for families to come down and rediscover downtown, too," he added.

The Swift Current Salvation Army will also be at the event to take donations for the Christmas Kettles and hampers.

There will also be a festive atmosphere in Shaunavon tonight, as the Parade of Lights is set to roll through town starting at 6:30pm from the Christ the King Church parking lot, and it will then move along 10th Ave W and Centre Street.