THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - A new committee has been formed in Fort Smith to co-ordinate the community's multitude of Christmas activities.

The Christmas Strategy Committee is an initiative of the Town of Fort Smith and the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Janie Hobart said it will help co-ordinate and prevent overlap of activities.

"So 15 don't happen on the same day," she said.

Hobart said the committee will also make residents aware of activities through websites and a newsletter.

The mayor said there are numerous Christmas activities in Fort Smith.

"Every weekend there are four or five events happening," she said.

The new committee will co-ordinate activities from Dec. 1 through to New Year's Eve.

"Christmas is amazing here," Hobart said. "I love spending Christmas in Fort Smith."

Just some of the activities coming up in December are the lighting of the community Christmas tree on Dec. 1, a community celebration with a feast and recognition awards on Dec. 5, performances by the Fort Smith Community Choir at St. Joseph's Cathedral on Dec. 12 and 13, and the Family First Night/New Year's Eve fireworks on Dec. 31.

Then there are also school concerts, craft shows, numerous Christmas dinners by various organizations, a Festival of Trees, and several activities with Santa Claus - a breakfast, a skate and a swim.

Hobart said people in Fort Smith take celebrating Christmas very seriously, pointing to impressive displays of lights on many homes.

"Some people go to immense efforts," she said.

Laurie Young, the manager of the Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre, said the idea of a Christmas Strategy Committee is an excellent idea to co-ordinate activities.

"It's nice if we can spread them out and not overlap them," Young said.

The museum itself is hosting several Christmas events, including the Festival of Trees, a gingerbread house contest and the breakfast with Santa.