Residents of Canmore, Alberta, rallied together quickly to restore a cherished Christmas display following an act of vandalism on Boxing Day. Dave Ouellette, who has been showcasing this popular holiday feature for over a decade, was disheartened to find it targeted for the first time. The display, renowned for its elaborate decorations, including a rideable train and life-sized statues, had unfortunately been damaged, with 15 inflatables affected.
Ouellette described a range of emotions upon discovering the vandalism, including confusion and anger, as he assessed the damage—slashed inflatables and overturned displays. For his daughter, Rhyanna, the tradition is personal, having grown up with it as a significant part of her life. She expressed her disappointment at the disrespectful act, given the extent of the damage incurred.
Despite the setback, the Ouellette family was touched by the outpouring of community support, as locals offered assistance in restoring the beloved display. Repairs were carried out, and with the community’s help, only two inflatables were deemed irreparable. This collective effort underscored the Christmas display’s importance to Canmore residents, reinforcing its status as a beloved town tradition.
The community’s unity in response to the vandalism reflects its dedication to preserving local customs. Following the incident, a video surfaced showing a person misusing the decorations, leading to one individual turning themselves in to the authorities.
