Tourism Smithers

The Story of Alpine Al

WHEN: December 23, 2023 at 7pm
(Usually 2-3 nights before Christmas, 7 to 8pm)

WHERE: Downtown Smithers, BC. The route starts down Main Street then winds through residential neighbourhoods in Smithers. Scroll to see Route Map

The History of the Smithers Christmas Parade

“The parade was started by a trucker and a mechanic,” says Ben Webb, who created the event with friend Wally Vangrootheest in 2020 as a way to gather community in a celebratory Christmas event during the pandemic lockdown.

“We started this whole event because of Covid, you bet, but it gets better every year… We don’t have extra volunteers, everything you see has been done between two blue-collar men after hours. The route does go down Main Street, just like the Fall Fair parade, but everyone has the option to stand along whichever street they choose… ultimately it would appear many folks enjoy the comfort of staying at their own home or enjoying the community of a warm fire etc. at their neighbour’s home. Not everyone wants to stand outside if it’s -25.

Over the few years we’ve done it, it’s been amazing to see the fires set up in front yards, the groups gathered at the end of driveways or kids yelling “here they come!” and everyone running for the window. What you may not see as a bystander, we see.”

The event is sponsored by Walkat Holdings Ltd. and Ben Webb Trucking

2023 ROUTE