Holiday shoppers in Okotoks were treated to a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Members of the Salvation Army's Calgary-based Glenmore Temple Band made an appearance at Walmart for an unannounced performance on Dec. 14.
"It's a celebration of Christianity," said organizer Keven Skory, a High River resident and longtime Salvation Army supporter. "They graciously come and do their thing and it's always fun."
Formed in 1892, the Glenmore Temple Band is composed of volunteer musicians and has been a frequent sight at community events and parades across the Calgary area for over 100 years.
Skory insisted on keeping the concert a surprise, with no promotion ahead of the pop-up show.
"It's my gift," he said.
Setting up an event like this in a Walmart was not an easy task, he said.
"It was a battle getting in here," Skory said. "The store manager came in, he says, 'I'm not fighting anymore.' I said, 'It is happening, whether you kind of want it or not, it's happening.'"
The event was a success, with onlookers stopping to enjoy a variety of musical pieces in the middle of the men's clothing section.
It was important the concert happen this year in addition to the Salvation Army's annual Christmas Kettle Campaign fundraiser, said Skory.
"This has been a little different because you've got a little bit of a postal strike going on, which has probably cut their take as far as their charity goes in at least half," he said, highlighting the strike's impact on funds raised by mail.
"So we do everything to be able to make sure that we have this kind of thing going on."
