In response to a critical letter sent to a local newspaper by a resident suggesting the Airdrie Festival of Lights needs improvement, Festival President, Bob Abbott says the author of the letter needs to do her homework and realize the event is run by a non-profit society and is completely volunteer-driven.

Abbott says the Festival is an ambitious project, one that few organizations would dare to take on. There's always a gap between what the Festival Society wants and what they can achieve given their resources. Abbott indicates some of the volunteers were upset by the letter, saying they devote their time, undaunted by the weather, to get the lights turned on every year. He adds, "Beyond that, we can only stretch ourselves so far".

Many visitors have commented that they miss the entertainment the festival had in past years, like 'Festival Idol' that showcased young talent from the Airdrie area. Abbott states the Society would love to find a group willing to organize that component of the event again. "Every once in a while we talk to people who are sort of tempted but they take a look at the amount of time involved - it's a pretty big deal."

The resident's letter also mentioned a lack of enthusiasm on the part of festival volunteers. Abbott argued by saying the writer "really does need to get out of her comfortable chair at home and spend some time working alongside our volunteers who give up their evenings to work in the cold and dark".

Where.ca, an online and magazine source of tourist information, lists 10 outdoor holiday light displays on its website. Airdrie is included with some of the largest displays in Canada including the Toronto Christmas Market, the Parliament building in Ottawa, the riverside fireworks display in Montreal and VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver.

You can visit airdriefestivaloflights.com to volunteer for the event or call 403-912-XMAS (9627).