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Are You Ready for Gingerbread & Glitter?

Pipestone Flyer

Even Spiderman has visions of Sugarplums.

 

There are endless stories and examples about the 2300 hours of volunteerism that make Gingerbread and Glitter possible. Clubs, individuals and businesses become ‘one’ to prepare for the event. 

Nineteen years ago a group of community minded people decided Wetaskiwin and region needed a family orientated event to kick-off to the festive season. Gingerbread and Glitter was created and although changes have been made each year, they have always maintained a focus on the community. Dorothy Brekke, a founder of the event describes an important feature of the event.

Each year the Drill Hall is transformed into a dazzling display of decorated trees, wreaths, creative creations, and of course gingerbread. The community organizations and businesses support this event with auction items, sponsorship and donations. But perhaps more importantly, they show their support for Gingerbread and Glitter with a high level of enthusiasm and participation. “We have kept it affordable as admission is a food item, cash donation or an unwrapped gift. We can proudly say 100 % of proceeds raised at Gingerbread and Glitter go directly to charitable causes in the community.”

The proceeds from Gingerbread and Glitter are invested directly back into the community. “We have supported many worthwhile causes over the years but have narrowed it down to 3 local charities in recent years, Secret Santa, The Wetaskiwin Health Foundation and the Food Bank.” Gingerbread and Glitter also makes donations to other groups such as Horizons Centre for helping out with the event.

 

New for 2012 at Gingerbread and Glitter

 

The program is always full of fun and entertainment and is suited to all ages. Dorothy unveils the new and exciting activities planned for 2012.  “The program is pretty similar each year but we try to change it up a bit. In addition to the traditional activities new in 2012 are the Backyard Fireworks on Friday November 16th at 8 p.m. at the Norm Brown Field (these are not commercial fireworks but the ‘backyard or beach’ type that have permission to be set off in town). On Saturday, November 17th in the Drill Hall are the Family Christmas Movies. We will be showing the Polar Express at 5 or 5:30 p.m. and then Elf at 7 or 7:30 p.m. Wetaskiwin Public Library Storytimes will be happening in the Kids Korner throughout the weekend. The Wetaskiwin High School Drama Class will perform a skit on Friday at 5:00 p.m.. The Wetaskiwin Water Works Players will be on stage on Saturday at 1;30 p.m. followed by the Ronald McDonald Magic Show. Check the local newspapers and poster for detailed information.

Gingerbread and Glitter opens at 2:00 pm on Friday following the judging of the displays and decorated trees. Guests are treated to free coffee and doughnuts as they watch free entertainment throughout the afternoon.  

The City of Wetaskiwin Firefighters Social Club will be hosting the parade, ‘Candy Cane Wonderland’ commencing November 16th at 6:30 p.m. on 53rd Street and ending on 47th  Street. Gingerbread and Glitter will be providing hot chocolate for the spectators following the parade.  

The true meaning of Christmas to exhibitor Laurele Giesbrecht

Every year exhibitors such as Laurele Giesbrecht of French’s Jewelry put a tremendous amount of effort into preparing their displays. “Gingerbread and Glitter is an awesome community event. To me it means trying to create a little of that Christmas magic that I’ve been trying with the kids and because I’ve been through it. I just want to see a little of that Christmas magic that we tend to lose as adults. I just want to bring back what Christmas is really about. It is not about all the stress and pressure we put on ourselves.”

Silent auction and raffle items are beginning to arrive, posters are being designed and groups throughout the community have begun to design and build Christmas displays and gingerbread creations.

Dorothy expresses her deep gratitude to the volunteers. “Volunteers are critical to the success of our event. It takes about 2300 hours to put on Gingerbread and Glitter.”

For more information go to the website, http://gingerbreadandglitter.com/  where you can click on the Twitter account #GingerbreadandGlitter or go to the Facebook page to view all the scrapbooks that have been scanned and loaded to their Facebook group.