CARLYLE - The town of Carlyle transformed into a community straight out of a Victorian-era novel Dec. 6 and 7 as it hosted the 21st annual Dickens Village Festival.
The town's businesses all get involved with decorating inside and outside their buildings, and staff dress in period clothing. Many of the stores offered specials and stayed open later to accommodate the crowds.
The event actually began Dec. 5 with the official tree lighting. The Bear Claw Casino provided the hot chocolate and the homemade cookies. A bonfire was held with many locals singing Christmas carols to start the festive season.
It was also the night that volunteers went around town to judge Christmas displays at homes and businesses. It was a difficult decision but Terry and Laurie Fornwald placed first overall. Laurel George took first for her Victorian-style display and Clayton and Amy Geiger took first for the novelty display.
Punkin’s Tattoo Parlour and JDM Jewels took first place for their business display, and March and Ana Ranchez were recognized for their Filipino Christmas Sparkle. Special recognition was also handed out to several homes.
The festivities for Dickens began on Dec. 6. The streets started to fill up with parked vehicles and people were walking the streets in their Victorian-style clothing.
Carlyle’s Dickens Village Festival is rated fifth in the world and people from all over come to see this town light up with the combined holiday cheer and cultural festivities.
Throughout the afternoons of the festival, local entertainment was held at the Memorial Hall, where large crowds gathered to listen to the Caragana Ramblers, Dianne Twietmeyer, James Dionne, Emily and Ben Dubois, Eli Barsi, and Chris Byrne.
At 6 p.m., the streets were lined with spectators to watch a parade that lit up the streets. The lights from the many floats could be seen down the street.
From Dec. 6-8, the Cornerstone Theatre held their play called It’s a Wonderful Hockey Life. This comedic display of volunteers had no problem entertaining the sold-out crowds.
After the show, the hall opened up again for the music of the Moxie Blue Band. This group has been together for 31 years and still has two original members, Gordon Young and Vince Parker. They played in front of a sizable crowd.
Dec. 7 was even busier as breakfast was served with Santa Claus. Admission was by donation to Carlyle's food bank.
A craft and trade show hosting 21 vendors was held at the Carlyle Elementary School and That Place on Railway Ave. There was an array of products to look at, including homemade baking, handmade soaps, decorated mugs, jewels, blankets and Christmas ornaments. It was a great place for Christmas shopping and get the baking out of the way. The flow of people kept vendors on their toes, as the place kept steady all day.
Many vendors were pleased with the help from the Grade 12 students, helping to bring in supplies and making trips easier for those who had tables at the sale. They also cleaned up the tables and chairs at the end of the show.
The Carlyle United Church held its popular high tea. Bev Thompson was given all the Victorian-era hats from Irene Doty after Doty passed away. These hats adorned the wall, and as guests came for tea, they could go along the wall and pick a hat to wear. Welcoming visitors to the tea were Bonnie and Mel Freitag, in their Dickens' gear. A total of 180 people attended the tea.
A new business in town, which has recently purchased the old Carlyle Observer building, held a photo shoot for pets. Just fur Paws had Buddy the Elf greet the four-legged family members. Over 30 people came with their pets to have a photo taken. They also asked for donations of new or gently-used toys for the Estevan Humane Society and Bright Eyes Animal Rescue. They wanted to make Christmas brighter for the animals that don't have a home.
Food vendors lined the streets with the traditional smoked turkey legs from the Carlyle Fire Department, a bowl of chili by the Knights of Columbus, chowder with the Catholic church, perogies from the Carlyle Elementary School, and a smokie on a stick from the Gordon F. Kells High School. The Carlyle District Lions Club had their baked potatoes and OneChurch had rice pudding.
The fun continued at the Memorial Hall with young and old enjoying the show from the Crachitt Kids Production, and performances by Jacquie Walbaum, Al Simmons and Fiddle Music and Dance Callers.
During the afternoon, a team of horses with wagons in tow offered rides around town, giving people the enjoyment of the nice weather and fresh air.
The music was not only heard at the hall, but King's Department Store had singers throughout the festival. Adding to the list of entertainment were Donna and Morgan Turk, Erroll Kinistino and Josie Linka, Winsome Kind and Morgan Robertson. Teagan Littlechief and her band had people dancing and singing.
