Winterlights is a celebration of winter in Happy Valley Goose Bay. The community is enjoying the display of lighting around town, especially the town Christmas tree adorned with 175 yellow ribbons that recognizes the Support Our Troops campaign. The new decorative lights on the hydro poles were designed and created by the College of the North Atlantic students in the welding and electrical shops. There are lots of photos HERE.

Once again the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is an award winner. At the February Winterlights conference and awards banquet, the town was awarded 5 STARS in the Winners Circle for Community Participation, and the NEW Criteria Award for Youth Involvement! So that is 5 awards in 4 years.

The Santa Claus Parade, held on Dec 5th, was fantastic. We had many wonderful entries in the illuminated parade, and even doggies dressed up for the festivities. Crowd favourite was the animated dinosaur created by Hickey's Construction. Everyone was surprised with the wonderful display of fireworks as Santa passed Husky Park. (Thanks to Jimmy Kelland for the great show!)

Thank you to all the community groups and businesses who made the parade a success, and who contributed to Santa's village in the College gym after the parade. And thank you to Queen of Peace School for allowing the parade participants to stay warm inside, and to the College of the North Atlantic for use of the Gym after the parade.

We hope everyone will continue to enjoy the various concerts and parties and contribute to charitable activities this season.

The 2009 Winterlights judges, Ted and Odette enjoyed their visit to our town. We took them to the "CBC Christmas Carol" and "The Big Land Concert" both at the new Lawrence O'Brien Arts Centre. They dined at Maxwell's, Midway, and Mariner's Galley, and enjoyed driving around the town to see the sights. They were very impressed with the new chalet at Birch Brook. The awards ceremony this year is in PEI in March.

5 Awards in Years! Winterlights is a program developed by the Canadian Tourism Commission to help municipalities enhance community living. In 2008 our community won the new category for "Youth Contribution and Involvement". In 2007, town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay was honoured with the national community award for populations under 10,000 people info . In 2006, Snobreak was awarded 5 STARS for providing activities to keep residents active. In 2005, the town was recognized with the Stinson Family Award for Winter Pleasures, acknowledging the contribution of so many volunteers with the Labrador Winter Games.

The 20th annual tree lighting ceremony was held at the Town Hall in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Thursday Dec 3th. The Community Choir, directed by Heather Lawrence, led the singing of Christmas Carols and songs. Complimentary refreshments and free public skating followed at the EJ Broomfield Memorial Arena.

This event was sponsored by The Town of Happy Valley Goose Bay, 5 Wing Goose Bay and Sodexo.

Yes, the jolly fellow arrived in Happy Valley Goose Bay again this year, just in time for the annual Santa Claus parade on Saturday December 5th. Once again, all the floats were illuminated with lots of sparkling lights. The parade route runs along Hamilton River Road between Green Street and the College of North Atlantic, and crowds lined up all along the roadside. The theme of the parade this year was "Deck the Town".

If you have digital photos of the parade that you are willing to share with us, to please email them

After the Parade, Santa met with each of children at the College of the North Atlantic. The gym was decorated and the special new throne for Santa was built by the carpentry class at the College! Santa had a bag of treats for each child and even danced with some of them. Awards for the best parade entries were presented at that time.

PARADE WINNERS
Best Adherence to the Theme - Labrador Youth Leaders
Best Illumination - Hillcrest Automotive
Best Commercial Entry - Hickey's Construction
Best Service Float - Crime Prevention

The winners of the "Best Decorated Home" and "Best Decorated Business" competitions are:

1st Prize 59 MacDonald - The Paines $100.00
2nd Prize 151 Hamilton - The Blakes - Christmas basket donated by Stepanie's Home and Gift
3rd Prize 17 Cartwright Road - The Pelleys- $30.00
Best Commercial Decorating MidWay Gardens-bragging rights of course!

Our generous business community donates prizes each year for the best decorated properties.