An Okotoks favourite is entering the national spotlight.
Light Up Okotoks, the Town’s annual winter holiday festival, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Canadian Event Awards in the Best Event for a City or Municipality category where it’s up against the likes of Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary.
“It’s more than just lights and music – it’s a celebration of who we are as a community,” said Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn, in a Town release. “Being named a finalist alongside Canada’s largest cities shows that our small but vibrant community can shine just as bright.”
Light Up, which has been a cherished holiday event in Okotoks for 32 years running, brings in thousands for festive favourites like the lighting of the Christmas tree, a plethora of entertainers and carolers and a fireworks extravaganza.
The event is a large undertaking for the Town with the 2024 Light Up featuring 120 staff members, 50 volunteers, 60 sponsors and local businesses along with a dozen local entertainers and choirs.
Connie Drake, community events specialist with the Town, said Light Up takes about 500 hours of planning.
“Every detail is thoughtfully planned to create a memorable holiday experience for our community,” she said. “From horse-drawn wagon rides along the lit-up river valley to the merry market showcasing local artisans, the event is all about community pride, celebrating the magic of the holiday season, and giving our businesses and non-profits a chance to shine.”
The Best Event for a City of Municipality award goes to events that go beyond entertainment to foster community spirit, support local businesses and create lasting legacies.
Criteria for award consideration includes everything from logistics, sustainability and risk management to community engagement and overall impact.
The Town of Okotoks’ video submission for the awards can be viewed here.
The winners will be announced at the upcoming Canadian Event Awards Gala on April 30 in Toronto.
For more information on the awards, visit the official website.
