‘Seeing people’s smiles is amazing’: Sirens of the Season lights up the Christmas spirit – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

First responders from Fort Macleod lit up local streets to help brighten the holiday spirit Tuesday night.

A lineup of police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, escorting Christmas characters, including Santa Claus and the Grinch, cruised through town for Sirens of the Season.

“We do all the streets”, Fort Macleod RCMP Const. Amanda Grouette, who also organized the event, explained.

“It’s great to see two-week-old babies with 102-year-old grandparents on the street greeting us and yelling Merry Christmas to all of us.”

Held for the first time last year, the event was kicked off to fill the void left after the city’s Santa Claus Parade was canceled in 2020. After COVID-19 restrictions halted the parade again this year, the organizers decided to bring back their emergency vehicles and illuminate the city, with two processions in December.

“Let’s bring some Christmas cheer to the city of Fort Macleod and lift everyone’s spirits, just because of the pandemic and sadly the pandemic has taken a lot down,” said Grouette.

“The parade has been going on for thirty-odd years,” said Fort Macleod Fire Chief Allen Zoeteman, who participated in Tuesday’s event. “This is just a replacement, a small replacement, of the parade and it brings out the community.”

And the support has not been limited to waves and good wishes. Residents are supporting the less fortunate, leaving food and toys for charity.

“This year, I challenged the city to make Toys-for-Tots or food donations and so far we have made two full containers,” added Grouette.

Sirens of the Season is collecting donations through Thursday, and everything stays within the Fort Macleod community. Spread the joy that those who drive through the city feel when they see people enjoying the show.

“It’s a huge thing for a five-second car ride, but just seeing people’s smiles is amazing.”