Now that December has begun, Squamish is gearing up for Christmas in full swing.
Residents will line Cleveland Avenue for the annual Santa Clause Parade this Friday and flock to the sold-out Polar Express at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Christmas fairs are another major part of the holiday season.
One popular festive event, the Cedar Valley Waldorf School’s Christmas Fair, has become a local tradition for the entire community for the past 14 years.
“It’s a great way to connect with community and experience the beauty of the holidays – in grand Waldorf style,” said school administrator Gabriel Alden Hull, who oversees the planning of the fair.
Since the school’s inception in 2002, parents, faculty and friends have clocked thousands of volunteer hours toward creating a day filled with magic, excitement and lightheartedness for children, parents and anyone who may be looking for a little of that holiday spirit, Alden Hull explained.
“The festivals we produce every year, including our May Fair, are a source of pride for Cedar Valley. The amount of care and attention to detail that is put into creating a beautiful and enlivened Christmas atmosphere is truly unparallelled. We invite everyone to come and experience what Waldorf brings to the season.”
The fair takes place Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main campus in Valleycliffe at 38265 Westway Ave.
For children, the fair promises unique activities such as tin ornament making, beeswax candle rolling and a long-time favourite – apple twists. Adults are able to get in on the action with wreath making and candle dipping with warm and fragrant beeswax.
If you are a fan of barbecue, Alden Hull recommends convening around the hot fire and enjoying traditional German bratwurst and comfort foods like hot soups and chili while you plot your day around visits to the Enchanted Cookie House and the Magical Gnome Village.
The CVWS Café features delicious homemade confections, hot drinks and seasonal music by alumni Spencer Dyer on guitar.
Dyer, who plans to attend Algonquin College in Ottawa next year to study broadcasting, received the band award upon graduation from Howe Sound Secondary last June. He credits his experience at CVWS for his love of music and said he can’t be more thrilled to be invited back to perform throughout the day.
“Waldorf gave me exposure to music I wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere,” he said.
“I found I loved music and it was exactly what I needed. I’m excited to come back and play for everyone at the Christmas Fair.”
The handmade market features specially curated vendors and an item for everyone’s shopping list including needle-felted creations, beeswax crayons, silks, beautiful handmade bell sprites and more, added Alden Hull.
“Shoppers will relish the selection of non-commercial gifts, which will feature many handmade decorations,” she said. “With the contributions of our students as well, there’s absolutely something for everyone’s taste and everyone’s budget.”
