Alarms are set for an early-morning wake up call in Rossland.
The city will kick off its 116th winter carnival by hosting a CTV crew and a live broadcast of its Canada AM morning show beginning Friday morning at 2:30 a.m.
To encourage a large and lively turnout for the early broadcast, Tourism Rossland is asking local businesses and residents to get involved and community groups to come out in big numbers.
The city is even offering a cash donation to non-profit groups as an incentive.
Groups with 25 people will receive a donation of $250 and groups of over 50 people will receive $500, said Deanne Steven, executive director for Tourism Rossland.
So far about 10 organizations, ranging from boy scouts to roller derby queens, have committed to turning up, smiling for the camera and adding character to the crowd during the wee hours.
Many stores will be open and offering sales on merchandise. There will also be over $4000 worth of gift certificates from those retailers handed out in draws, said Steven.
She explained groups and single guests are asked to sign in at the Rossland Public Library on Columbia Ave. Each group and individual that does sign in will receive a voucher for coffee and a ticket for door prizes that will be raffled off until 6 a.m.
“I think we are going to have a strong turnout,” said Steven.
“We are asking all of the businesses downtown to keep their lights on so that Rossland looks really lit up for the program.”
To enter a group or for more information, contact Steven at 231-1247.