It is one of the most successful night time Christmas parades in North America, but it might just become a victim of its own success.

After nine years on the Country Christmas Committee, Charlotte Martin says that she needs to take a break but will still be organizing the craft fair.

“We have to get a new co-ordinater or the Christmas parade might not run this year,” says Martin.

Over the years the city has stepped up to help support the Christmas parade and the craft fair and Christmas Concert that accompanies it, but the city CEO Matt Noble says it is not an event that can simply be put on wholly by the city.

“The parade would not be the success it has become if it were not for the volunteers,” says Noble.

“The city is always willing to work with any group that contributes so much to the make up of the city.”

“It would never be the same or have the same impact if the city simply took it over.”

Noble says that communities both large and small are grappling with the same issues as they try to attract the volunteers needed to put on special events.

“It is probably harder in small communities because the volunteer pool is shallower,” says Noble.

“We all have to applaud those people who bring so much to their communities.”

The city has contributed to a number of areas to support the various Country Christmas events including materials and labour, stringing the lights that have become a permanent fixture downtown, and contributing grant money.

“It has been very positive and every year we are seeing more and more people coming from out of town, shopping and then staying for the parade and often the night,” says Harry Kroeker a long time Merritt city councillor.

“I have confidence in the community that we will get the volunteers we need to keep this event alive.”

Kurt Christopherson is also confidant Merrittonians will step up to the plate and continue to make these events a success.

“I have been involved for six years, mainly focussing on the Christmas concert,” says Christopherson.

“The city has done a great job of complimenting the hard work the many volunteers do.”

“I hope there is a resurgence because it is really a good thing for Merritt.”