Hanging out for a great cause

96.7 The Rig held its annual Holiday Hangout on Friday, December 9 which included several fun events with the goal of raising donations for the Whitecourt Christmas Hamper.

Salesperson at The Rig, Magen Sarivi, was on hand at Central School with morning show co-host, Nick Boykiw, as the school choir filled the room with its beautiful voices. “Central School has made this a tradition with our event for the past three years. The school helps us raise donations for the hamper as well as helping us spread holiday cheer,” said Magen, adding, “every year they have a great time and don’t mind helping us out, so it’s our tradition now.” Nick joined the students at their level, complete with a snazzy Christmas sweater and belted out the tunes much to the enjoyment of the kids.

The Central School Choir also used the event as a way to get extra practice for its upcoming performances at the Christmas concert, Old Man Winter’s Icicle Follies, which takes place on December 21. There are two shows planned, one for 1 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. Tickets are required for entrance so be sure to grab yours in advance. Assistant Principal Tim Bowman said the room will be packed, “The show will feature every student in the school with singing, acting, and playing instruments. It will be a whole lot of fun.” As for his students taking part in the Hangout event, Bowman said they were glad to do it, “We are really glad that we can support The Rig, which is supporting the Christmas Hamper Fund. We want to wish everybody a very merry Christmas.”

The Holiday Hangout has been happening for over eight years and is a one-day extravaganza that includes working with the school for decorations and the choir, the community, and also the mayors. “We raise awareness for the hamper and, of course, toys, food, and money,” said Saviri.

The annual Mayoral Challenge started off the morning as Whitecourt Mayor, Maryann Chichak and Woodlands Mayor, Jim Rennie, battled it out with a gingerbread-building competition. “You should have seen Jim’s face when he saw Maryann’s creation,” laughed Magen, referring to the grand scale town creation that even included two rivers meeting. “It was huge!  She had the rivers, reindeer, cabins, and lots of trees because, of course, we are the forest capital.” Wolverines’ players Noah Tooke, Mitch Lipon, and Tanner Foster aided Maryann with her masterpiece.

Mayor Jim Rennie created a smaller display but also opted for a true-to-life theme, choosing to create visitor locations in Woodlands County including Goose Lake Lodge, Anselmo Hall, Mercier Mansion, The Fort, and Blue Ridge Bungalow. Jim also attempted to bribe the judges with some gifts but, ultimately, Mayor Maryann was declared the winner, taking the title for the 3^rd straight year.

“What better way to raise stuff for the community than having the actual community help us and participate,” said Magen. The event brought in a couple hundred dollars and a nice haul of toys. Donations can be dropped off at The Rig studio until Wednesday, December 14.