Pipestone Flyer
By Barry McDonald
Lynn’s Angels were flying high at the Spirits of Christmas Gala held in the Memorial Centre December 4th. And rightfully so. They planned and hosted an event that can be added to the ever growing list of successful community events being hosted in Wetaskiwin. When you have top notch food such as buffalo sliders, lamb sliders, bbq’d ribs, deep fried shrimp, sautéed lake trout all expertly prepared by local chefs and paired with a choice of samples of more than 75 different wines, beers and spirits supplied by 22 vendors, it is easy to see why well over 250 guests were enjoying themselves.
The Spirits of Christmas was dropped a couple years ago following the death of the founder of the event, Lynn Prefontaine although the event had become the social event people looked forward to kick-start the Christmas social season. Last year Lynn’s daughter-in-law and her friend Lisa Brook decided to revive the event. As ‘angel’ Shannon Prefontaine clearly stated, “We decided to do the Spirits of Christmas again in memory of Lynn because besides Christmas Day, the Spirits of Christmas was her favourite day of the year.” But most important to Lynn and the ‘Angels’ is the event has, and will continue to raise, many thousands of dollars to support charities in this community. The fortunate recipients of this year’s event are Secret Santa and the Food Bank.
The 5 local food establishments, Montgomery Glen’s Grill, The Pipestone Food Company, Huckleberry’s Café, Terracotta Café and the Reynolds Museum are to be commended for the superior quality (and quantity) of h'oeuvres they provided. In addition to the free food, they also provided items for the silent auction. As ‘angel’ Lisa Brook strongly stated, “The food is bar none. I honestly don’t think you can get food of this quality anywhere else. We are so lucky to have these unbelievable restaurants in Wetaskiwin.”
She proudly gazed around the room noting all the people that were having such an enjoyable time and remarked, “It just wouldn’t be possible without ‘angel’ Shannon and other ‘angels’ who helped plan and host this event We received 37 silent auction items from the community. The work that Laurie Fairlie from the AL-B Liquor Store did recruiting 22 vendors to supply free samples of beer, wine and spirits and having them also contribute an item to the silent auction was a great undertaking and success. And finally our excellent entertainment with PUNCH DRUNK CABARET (Randl Weiler and formerly Screwtape Lewis). It makes for such a nice night.” The Icemen hockey team provided coat check services and although their sign asked for a $2.00 donation to go to the Food Bank, most of the money in the jar was blue in color. Idling outside were two warm Wetaskiwin Community Transportation Society vans to shuttle people to their home.
Positive comments indicate a return of the ‘angels’ event in 2011
Comments from all participants participating in the show were very positive. Donna Dubetz, Edmonton Regional Sales Rep for the Bacchus Group Inc. (Magnotta Wines, Lemon Hart Rum etc) understands the value of attending the Spirits of Christmas. “I have attended every event since it started about a dozen years ago and yes, I will certainly be back next year.” Laurie Fairlie, Manager AL-B Liquor Store got involved in September when requested to seek out vendors for the event. “I am looking forward to a bigger and better event next year. It has been a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful experience to help host the event and support our local charities.”
The ‘angels’ have not finalized the numbers for the evening but it the outcome is close to the $5800 cheque given to Habitat for Humanity last year, it will enable Secret Santa and the Food Bank to assist more people in need during this Holiday Season..
Positive comments indicate a return of the ‘angels’ event in 2011
Comments from all participants participating in the show were very positive. Donna Dubetz, Edmonton Regional Sales Rep for the Bacchus Group Inc. (Magnotta Wines, Lemon Hart Rum etc) understands the value of attending the Spirits of Christmas. “I have attended every event since it started about a dozen years ago and yes, I will certainly be back next year.” Laurie Fairlie, Manager AL-B Liquor Store got involved in September when requested to seek out vendors for the event. “I am looking forward to a bigger and better event next year. It has been a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful experience to help host the event and support our local charities.”
The ‘angels’ have not finalized the numbers for the evening but if the outcome is close to the $5800 cheque given to Habitat for Humanity last year, it will enable Secret Santa and the Food Bank to assist more people in need during this Holiday Season.