A view of one of the previous BCSG's "Lights of Joy" displays in Battleford. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Battleford Community Spirit Group

Town shows support for “Lights of Joy” project

Sep 22, 2022 | 5:39 PM

Town council approved funding to support the Battleford Community Spirit Group’s (BCSG) “Lights of Joy” project for 2022.

The BCSG organizes this Christmas event at the Historic Lions Park on 22nd Street in downtown Battleford each year, decorating the trees with lights to celebrate the holiday season.

The group requested a $200 donation from the Town of Battleford for the “Lights of Joy” tree sponsorship funding for the 2022 project.

The BCSG plans to turn on the lights on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. this year.

The campaign was first started by youth Avery Donahue in 2019. The town has sponsored one of the trees every year the event has been running, for a monetary value of $200 per year. Many residents and businesses also support the illumination display each year.

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“This is a very effective way to spread some [positive] spirit in our community during the holiday season,” said town CAO Ash Alam in his report. “Every year, this event attracts not only our residents but also residents from our surrounding communities.”

Mayor Ames Leslie said the town’s support is included in its annual budget.

Council gave the go-ahead and approved the $200 sponsorship from the town for this year’s campaign.

Coun. Alexis Christensen said she supports the proposal.

“I think it’s a minimal ask of $200,” she said, adding that it makes sense to help the effort for all the BCSG does for the community.

Mayor Leslie also was glad to support the event that brightens up the downtown park and brings a festive mood to the town.

“It’s always the coldest day of the year it seems, but it is always a fun time,” he said.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW