Downtown Squamish festivities kick it up a notch this year with helicopter rides, window contests, and Santa sightings, thanks to a group of friends that come together over the holidays.
Squamish Christmas group formed in 2005, evolving into what they are today. Though some of the friends have changed over the years, most remain the same.
Cindy Cardiff is an original member who is thrilled with the new additions and old favourites to festivities this winter.
The Spirit of Giving contest is brand new and Cardiff says it’s aimed at older youth from 12 to 25. “We want them to demonstrate to us how they volunteer in the community and give back.”
One lucky winner plus four friends will walk away with a helicopter ride.
Enter at squamishchristmas@double-shutter.com. Submissions close at noon on Dec. 8.
“For five years, we’ve been doing ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ — our literary arts contest,” Cardiff continues. Open to artists from 6 to 18 years-old, contestants draw or write the answer to the holiday question.
On Dec. 16, three winners will soar the skies with Santa in a helicopter ride from the Squamish airport to Britannia Mine.
That’s where they’ll meet the other winners who will take the Blackcomb Helicopter ride back with their friends.
Santa touches down at 11 a.m. But, that’s not the first stop for him.
The annual Santa Parade on Dec. 1 took a different route this year, starting behind Save On Foods and ending up on Main Street. The group organized the festive occasion along with the Downtown Business Improvement Association.
“We just wanted to go back to that safe spot for the end of the parade where the kids exit the floats,” Cardiff explains.
Traditionally Santa photos were done the night before the parade, but last year they added a stop for the jolly yuletide fellow at Britannia Mine Museum’s holiday celebration.
That’s where the helicopter lands on Dec. 16 for a day of pictures and festivities.
On Dec. 8 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. find Santa along with a craft table, Boy Scouts serving hot chocolate, live music and the Me and You Arts Academy & Gallery making gingerbread houses at the Squamish Town Hub (formerly On The Farm).
For more details on getting festive with the holiday celebrations go to https://squamishchristmas.weebly.com/, or contact squamishchristmas@double-shutter.com.
