The excitement is growing as young and old alike get ready to celebrate Christmas in downtown Squamish tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 14). The Christmas Market will be open at Pavilion Park and Cleveland Avenue from 3 to 9 p.m. and, during that time Santa will be at the OSiyam Pavilion for photos and each child will receive a gift.
The market is sure to please and displays of gift-giving crafts and art along with a fine selection of delicious food. Musicians and singers will also get you in the holiday spirit during this event.
The Squamish Arts Council building on Cleveland Avenue will be turned into a Gingerbread Warming House from 3 to 6:45 p.m. and will include treats, kids crafts, Christmas lights, music and display of local artists and more. Donations to the Squamish Food Bank will be much appreciated.
The highlight of the night will be the Santa Claus Parade at 7 p.m. from the yacht club and proceeding along Cleveland Avenue and down Second. Then it is story time and hot chocolate in Stan Clarke Park with Mrs. Claus.
The Healthy Brain Group for Older Adults will meet on Tuesday (Dec. 18) from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Squamish Mental Health office at 38075 Second Ave. For more information, please contact Wendy Avey at (604) 892-6400.
The Brackendale Art Gallery has its annual Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday (Dec. 15) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beautiful crafted items will be on display along with Christmas music to get you in the mood. Refreshments will be available.
The Shannon Falls Retirement Residence on Third Avenue will welcome members of the Squamish Academy of Music (SAM) who will lead the residents and anyone in our community who would like to attend for carol singing on Tuesday (Dec. 18) starting at 1:30 p.m. and followed by tea and refreshments at 2:30 p.m.
The Christmas Bazaar and luncheon held at St. Josephs Catholic Church recently was a great success. Raffle winners were: June Higham (Christmas basket), Donna Moroulis ($100 gift certificate from Save On Foods), Tern Young ($100 gift certificate from Wal-Mart) and John Rooney ($100 gift certificate from Nesters).
A Community Candlelight Advent Service of Seven Lessons and Carols is planned on Sunday (Dec. 16) at 4 p.m. at St. John The Divine Anglican Church. The event will include special music composed and arranged by Peach Akerhielm with Harpa Isfeld, Kayla Matzen and others, as well as guests from the Squamish Nation and Squamish Interfaith Society. All are welcome.
Another Winter Market will be held at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Sunday (Dec. 16) and the last one of the year, on Sunday (Dec. 23). Check out the over 70 vendors offering a variety of crafts and goodies.
A Family Winter Celebration is planned on Saturday (Dec. 22) from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Squamish Public Library. Activities include a puppet show, stories, crafts, refreshments and a sing-along. This is a free event and no registration is necessary.
The Shortbread and Sherry member appreciation day will be held at the Seniors Centre on Thursday (Dec. 20) from 1 to 3 p.m. and will include a Christmas sing-along. Next week, the exercise programs are drop-in and start at 9:30 a.m. A Christmas movie will be shown on Wednesday (Dec. 19) at 1 p.m. at the centre. There is also carpet bowling on Friday (Dec. 21) at 1:30 p.m.
Hilltop House birthdays this month will be celebrated on Wednesday (Dec. 19) at 2 p.m. when Fern Green, Janet Erickson and Gordon Hanson are honoured.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 is having a special Christmas Bingo night on Monday (Dec. 17) with doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The Squamish Scouts Group has a great selection of Christmas trees available at the On the Farm Garden Centre on Mamquam Road each day until 6 p.m. except Sundays until 4 p.m.
Mayor Rob Kirkham welcomed everyone to the 39th annual Seniors Banquet co-hosted by the District of Squamish and the Squamish Seniors Centre Society on Friday (Dec. 7). President Glenn Rudkin asked for a minute of silence to remember those who had passed on during 2012. The delicious dinner prepared by G. Van Caterers was served by students of Howe Sound Secondary School. The entertainment included the Mamquam School Choir, the Still Dancing troupe and the popular belly dancers. In the prize drawings, many folks went home with gift certificates, cash and plants.
What we do with all the stamps received on our Christmas cards? Is there an organization, group or school that collects these stamps? Please let me know (604) 815-0152 and Ill pass on the word to everyone.
The Over the Hill Hikers will meet at the Adventure Centre at 9 a.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 18) for a Britannia Beach/Minty Bay hike. For more information, call Heather at (604) 892-9003.
The Tantalus Walking Club will meet at the Mormon Church on Ross Road on Thursday (Dec. 20) at 10 a.m. for a Rusty Bucket walk. For more information, call Joyce at (604) 898-5594.
The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet at the Eagle Grove complex on Pemberton Avenue on Friday (Dec. 14) at 10 a.m. for an estuary walk. Afterward members will gather at Eagle Grove for our Christmas luncheon. For more information, call Darleen at (604) 892-2092 or myself at (604) 815-0152.
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