One of Drumheller’s most storied Christmas traditions is reemerging, bringing Christmas dinner to those in the valley.
The Annual Santa’s Christmas Dinner has been a much loved Drumheller Christmas event dating back to 1983. Over its nearly four-decade history has brought fun and kinship for the holiday. Last year was the first time the event had been cancelled, because of COVID-19. Organizers of the event have decided to make sure the tradition doesn’t fall by the wayside.
“It has been a difficult two years for everyone, but we felt it is so important to the community that we can share with those in need and also nourish the friendship and camaraderie in the community by celebrating the Christmas season,” said Bob Sheddy.
Santa’s Annual Christmas Dinner started simply as a way for folks to get together over the holiday, especially if they had no other place to go, with no restaurants open. The dinner provided a venue to enjoy a hot meal in the company of others. Attendance for the event spans all groups. Some seniors may not have family coming home, to others alone on the holiday. Today entire families make it a tradition to come out for the afternoon of visiting, good food, and fun.
The last Christmas dinner in 2019 shared 540 meals with the community free of charge. These include residents and visitors who came in-person to enjoy Christmas dinner at Yavis Family Restaurant as well as dozens that were served to those who couldn’t make it out.
Of course, as there still is a pandemic, the organizers are following safety protocols. They will be using the Restriction Exemption Program. This means those attending will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, or delivery is an option.
The community is invited to the annual dinner from noon until 3 p.m. Volunteers will provide a pick-up service for those who do not have transportation. Volunteers will also deliver dinner for those not able to make it out.
To arrange transportation or delivery contact Century 21 at 403-823-2121, or stop by the office at 145 3rd Avenue West, or call Yavis Family Restaurant on the day of the dinner, between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Environmental Appeals Board’s hearing regarding the approval issued by Alberta Environment and Parks to Badlands Recreation Development, has been scheduled for May 16-18, 2022 via videoconference.
The hearing was scheduled for February of this year, but it was postponed.
In January 2020, Alberta Environment and Parks approved an application from Badlands Recreation Development Corp. to place fill in two wetlands, to modify three wetlands, and to construct, operate and carry out maintenance of a stormwater management system.
Following the approval on January 8, 2020, the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board issued a decision on April 28, 2020. The board received 27 Notices of Appeal of the approval.
The board reviewed these submissions to gauge whether the appellants were directly affected and whether a stay should be granted. The board found of the 27 notices of appeal, seven were directly affected.
“A recent Alberta Court of Appeal decision commented on the board’s rules for standing. As a result of this court decision, the board is reviewing its original decision on standing,” Gilbert Van Nes, General Counsel and Settlement Officer, Environmental Appeals Board, previously told the Mail.
According to correspondence from Denise Black, Board Secretary Environmental Appeals Board, “Once the hearing closes, the Board will provide the Minister of Environment and Parks with its Report and Recommendations within 30 days pursuant to its legislation. The Minister typically makes his decision within 30 days.”
The Approval is for infilling two wetlands, modifying three wetlands, and constructing, operating and carrying out maintenance of a stormwater management system for the Badlands Motorsport Resort.
The hearing is with respect to the wetlands and stormwater management system, and not the racetrack project as a whole.
A Consent Order was filed in the Court of Queen’s Bench on December 7, 2020, stating Badlands undertakes to not conduct any physical alteration of the wetlands subject to the Approval until the Minister makes a decision on these appeals.