After more than a decade of putting up a popular Christmas display in Canmore, Alta., Dave Ouellette was devastated to find that it had been vandalized on Boxing Day. The display, featuring a rideable train, life-sized Darth Vader and Chewbacca statues, and numerous inflatables, had become a beloved tradition in the town. Ouellette estimates that he has spent $100,000 on the display over the years, changing it annually out of his love for Christmas and the community’s appreciation. When he discovered the vandalism, he was initially confused, then felt a range of emotions including anger and resentment towards the unknown perpetrator.
The vandalism of the Christmas display was a shock to the Ouellette family, especially Rhyanna, Dave’s 15-year-old daughter, for whom the display had become an integral part of her life. She expressed her disappointment and disapproval of the damage done to the display, emphasizing the disrespectfulness of the act. However, the family was heartened by the response of the Canmore community, who immediately rallied to help restore the display to its former glory. With the help of residents who volunteered their time to repair decorations and offer words of support, the Ouellette family was able to salvage all but two of the inflatables that were damaged.
The community’s response to the vandalism was overwhelming for the Ouellette family, who were touched by the outpouring of support and appreciation for their Christmas display. Dave Ouellette expressed his gratitude and humility towards the community, acknowledging that he had not realized the extent of the support he had in the town. The display, which had become a holiday tradition for many in Canmore, held special significance for both the Ouellette family and the community as a whole. Despite the act of vandalism, the community’s response showcased the strong sense of unity and pride that exists in Canmore.
A video obtained by Global News showed the act of vandalism in which a person treated the Christmas decorations like a punching bag, causing damage to 15 inflatables and turning over the gingerbread house. Following the incident, one individual turned themselves in to the police in connection to the vandalism. The vandalism had a significant impact on the Ouellette family and the Canmore community, who were left shocked and saddened by the destruction of the beloved Christmas display. However, the situation also highlighted the strength and resilience of the community, as residents came together to support the Ouellette family and help restore the display in time for the holiday season.
The Christmas display, located just off Bow Trail, had grown in size and popularity over the years as the town embraced it as a must-see attraction during the holiday season. Dave Ouellette’s dedication to the display, which he had been putting up since his daughter Rhyanna was born, had turned it into a cherished tradition in Canmore. The display had become an obsession for Ouellette, who spent hours each year changing and improving it out of his love for Christmas and the joy it brought to the community. The act of vandalism served as a reminder of the strong bond between the Ouellette family and the Canmore community, who came together in solidarity to show their support and appreciation for the iconic holiday tradition.
Overall, the vandalism of the popular Christmas display in Canmore was a distressing incident for the Ouellette family and the community. However, the response from residents who volunteered their time and resources to help restore the display showcased the resilience and unity of the Canmore community. Despite the initial shock and disappointment of the vandalism, the Oullette family was deeply moved by the outpouring of support and appreciation from the community. The incident served as a testament to the strong sense of community spirit that exists in Canmore, as residents banded together to ensure that the beloved Christmas display continued to shine bright for all to enjoy.
