subject: Christmas Light Up gets new wiener roast rules [print this page] Christmas Light Up gets new wiener roast rules
The organizer of Cochrane's annual Christmas Light Up admits certain participants are a "little steamed" about new rules regarding the 4,500 hot dogs that will be given out during the Nov. 20 event. fujitsu laptop battery.
For the first time in the event's more than two-decade history, the hot dogs will be prepared indoors at St. Andrew's United Church, wrapped in foil and then transferred to the firepots purchased by local businesses. From there, Light Up attendees can top them with standard condiments, such as ketchup and mustard.
Cheryl Hardy, who has organized the event the past three years, said the wiener roast was moved inside this year after members learned the event was "on the radar" of health inspectors with Alberta Health Services (AHS). apple macbook battery.
"They want to make sure that everything is properly cooked and being handled by people that have had their food service certification," Hardy explained.
"Alberta Health Services are trying to crackdown on any chance of anyone getting sick, which I understand, but it's also kind of ruining the whole spirit of the thing."
AHS spokesperson Shannon Evans said an official order regarding food-handling practices at the Light Up has not been issued, but added that an area food inspector offered some pointers after being consulted by local organizers.
"We agreed with going inside and gave them a few pieces of information that they would want to follow in terms of cooking inside instead of outside," she said.
"We agreed with everything that's in place, it's simple as that."
Hardy said the new rules will likely see the elimination of the more colourful condiments found at past Light Ups; however, she said individuals can still sneak "contraband chili" into the event as long as they do so discretely.
As well, changes to the wiener roast hardly seem to have had an impact on local anticipation for the annual event, Hardy said, noting that all 12 firepots were sold weeks in advance. This comes in stark contrast to last year's Light Up, when Hardy questioned whether it would survive after struggling to sell firepots and find committed volunteers.
"People have been really excited about the whole thing," she said.
"I don't know if the economy is starting to turn around or if people realize we are trying to make it bigger and better." lenovo laptop battery.
The Light Up runs Nov. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in downtown Cochrane.
Local residents are advised that roads will be blocked from 3 p.m. onward as preparations are made.
