Canadian City Changing from Christmas to Winter Lights
The plug may be pulled on the candy canes, Santa characters and toy soldiers that have lit up downtown streets for the past two decades.
There’s a plan in the works to replace the traditional Christmas decorations with “more general winter-oriented designs” as early as this fall.
“In the last few years we’ve got more and more comments on the Christmas decorations getting really dated,” acknowledged Jim Taylor, with the Downtown Business Association, the organization pushing for the extreme holiday makeover.
They were bought in 1987 and refurbished 10 years later, he said.
Taylor vowed the changes would be anything but dull. Among other things, he envisions “spectacular” two-metre snowflakes and stars made from energy-efficient LED lights hanging from light standards throughout the core.
Larger displays could be set up in future years at some of the key entrances into the downtown, Taylor said.
Instead of just being illuminated for the holidays, Taylor said the formations could go up in late October and remain powered until early April.
“Why would we just keep it lit for November, December and January?” Taylor said.
“We’re a winter city. We should be celebrating being a winter city.”
A report to city council estimates the cost of the upgrade at $400,000.
The city would pay the upfront costs – but would be repaid by downtown businesses, who would also foot the maintenance and power costs.
Mayor Stephen Mandel said he likes the idea, stressing Christmas would still be celebrated downtown, even if the colourful lights of Jasper become a plainer white.
“It’s not going to take away from Christmas – I hope not,” he said.
“We’re still going to have a tree, which probably won’t be that energy efficient … and people can look at that.”
Mandel said the manger scene, featuring live animals, will also continue to be set up outside city hall.
Coun. Ben Henderson said he has no problem getting rid of Christmas-specific lights in areas such as Jasper Avenue.
“There’s two things I like about it. One, it’s not just Christmas lighting, it’s winter-long.
“And two, is that there is a commitment to using LED.”
News of the proposed change was met with mixed reaction from Edmontonians enjoying the sun in Churchill Square yesterday.
“White lights have no spirit,” said Julia Buckholz. “I like the (old lights) because they’ve been around since I was a little girl.”
Debra Jinks disagreed, saying the old lights were starting to look “ratty” and that it was worth it to spruce them up.
Christmas Movie Pushed Back to 2009
The holiday-themed movie that was filmed during a whirlwind production schedule last month now isn’t scheduled to be released until Thanksgiving of 2009.
“Last Ounce of Courage,†which will be about a small-town mayor who is fed up with the political correctness of Christmas, originally was planned to be released this Christmas. Officials from Outpost Pictures of Lenexa said the release date was pushed back to allow adequate time for marketing and promotion.
The lead role of Mayor Bob Revere was played by actor Marshall Teague of such films as “Armageddon†and “The Rock.†He has also appeared in a number of television shows, including “Walker, Texas Ranger,†“Star Trek: Voyager†and “Babylon 5.â€
Several Miami County residents were used as extras during the shooting, including a scene in which a crowd sang Christmas carols outside the Miami County Courthouse.
The movie was directed by Darrel Campbell, whose past writing credits include episodes of the television shows “Home Improvement†and “Days of Our Lives.â€
Officials said there is not yet a definite structure as to the movie’s release, but it’s likely to go straight to DVD after some showings in local theaters, and there may be a special showing in Paola .
Grinch Starts National Stage Run
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be going on tour starting later this year. The musical played the St. James in 2007 and the Hilton in 2006 but will now be spreading its cheer at Baltimore’s Hippodrome from Nov. 11-23. Patrick Page starred in the Broadway production but no casting has been announced yet for the tour.
Grinch is based on Dr. Seuss’s children’s book of the same now, about the Grinch’s plan to steal Christmas from the town of Whoville. The holiday classic has experienced several successful incarnations, from the book to the famed animated special to the Jim Carrey film and now a hit musical. Two of the songs in the show, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas,” are from the animated version.
Running Subway Productions and three-time Tony winner Jack O’Brien will present the tour, which is likely to also have a run in Boston. Boston is not officially confirmed, nor is a return to Broadway in time for the holiday season.
Tickets for the Baltimore run will be priced $25-$70. For more information call (800) 343-3103 or visit broadwayacrossamerica.com.
