On Saturday, November 26, the Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA) is turning McIntyre Park and 83 Avenue into a winter wonderland with its 5th annual Winter Whyte Light Up. Outdoor activities are family-friendly and free, with additional hot drinks and winter treats for sale.
Free fun includes:
- EPL story time, indoors and fireside
- EPL scavenger hunt
- Flying Canoë Volant photobooth with Voyageurs
- Ice on Whyte live ice carving demonstration
- Firepits across the entire 83 Avenue site
- Musicians, street performers and roving winter characters
- Christmas carols with the Knox Evangelical Church choir
- Dave Jukebox Lee at the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
- OSBA Info Tent- Spin the Wheel for Prizes; OSBA toques and tote bags (while supplies last)
- Community non-profit tents
The OSBA is collecting donations for the Edmonton Food Bank and Old Strathcona Youth Society (OSYS). Help stuff the streetcar 
which will be decorated for the holidays at the Whyte Avenue platform! And bring new or gently used winter coats 
(all sizes and genders) and winter boots 
(men’s sizes 10, 11, 12, women’s sizes 7, 8, 9) for OSYS.
Paid activities include:
-
- Photobooth with Mrs. Claus ($5). Secure your spot: tickets.fringetheatre.ca
- Flying Canoe tire sur la neige (maple taffy) $3
- Pop-up vendors at the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
- Mr. Capy food truck from Avila Arepa
- Winter favourite and extended hours at Sugared & Spiced, The Woodrack Cafe, and Fringe Grounds Cafe
“Dog Nog” and pet snacks from Global Pet Foods-Whyte Ave (portion of proceeds to Zoe’s Animal Rescue)
Musicians on the McIntyre Park stage:
- Twophonium – 4:15pm
- Jay Gilday – 4:45pm
- Knox Church caroling – 5:20pm
- Cynthia Hamar – 6:05pm
Hosted by Rhea March, from CJSR’s “It Takes a Village”
Old Strathcona is a pet-friendly shopping district, so all fourlegged friends are welcome too, and there will be cups of “dog nog” for sale in the park.
“What started as an idea to light the park and have a small celebration to kick off the holidays in Old Strathcona has become a larger community gathering with tons of activities and shopping opportunities,” said Cherie Klassen, executive director of the OSBA.
New this year, the High Level Bridge Streetcar is decorated for the holidays! Edmontonians are invited to come and see the city’s newest winter landmark at the Whyte Avenue platform (between Gateway Boulevard and 102 Street, beside the public washrooms). The Fringe Grounds Café is going to be open in the Arts Barns too! For the adults: The Mrs. Claus Holiday Spectacular returns with two 18+ shows in one night, at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door (limited walk-up tickets).
