This year’s Twinkle Tour will materialize for three days from December 10-12. Just as last year, Assiniboia’s Christmas light tour is based out of the Kin Hut on 711 First Street West.
“This is the second annual Twinkle Tour,” said Stephanie VanDeSype, the Town of Assiniboia Recreation and Community Wellness Manager. “The Recreation Department works with the Assiniboia Kinsmen on this event. We have plenty of support through many businesses in town that donate treats for people to enjoy in the Kin Hut.” Local businesses have also helped to make the Twinkle Tour a grand occasion, by assisting the town to provide awards for the homes entered in the seasonal contest.
“This year, every home will receive a small gift for entering. The top three homes will win a bigger prize,” VanDeSype said, adding “I am encouraging residents to nominate their homes, their neighbours, or if they see a home in Town that they think should be on the tour, nominate that home.” Nominations for decorated houses can be sent to recreation@assiniboia.net or voters can text or call 306-642-8900 to secure their choices for this year’s Twinkle Tour.
There are many ways for participants to complete the Twinkle Tour. VanDeSype outlined the various transportation choices participants can use, as they travel around Assiniboia to view the houses embellished in decorative lights and Christmas cheer. “They can hop on the Kinsmen Bus or the Town of Assiniboia’s people mover. We have a wheelchair accessible bus as well. If you would like to be picked up at your home, phone the recreation department to arrange a ride.” If residents wish to drive around town and see the sights of the tour by themselves, VanDeSype said maps and voting cards will be available in the Kin Hut.
For those who prefer more traditional means of transportation, Mike Cayer will bring his team of horses to the Kin Hut for all three nights to take people for rides around the block, so they can see the Lights of Love in Centennial Park.
To heighten the Christmas spirit, the Assiniboia Choir are performing in the Kin Hut on Tuesday, December 10 to sing carols and Christmas-inspired music. Also, Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming for all three evenings of the tour. During the tour, hot chocolate and Christmas treats will be served in the Kin Hut. “We encourage residents to come take part in Christmas cheer and share the joy of the season,” VanDeSype concluded on the Town of Assiniboia’s behalf.
