With a bit of a chill beginning to fill the air the thoughts of the Prince Rupert Special Events Society turn to Winterfest, which is just over 10 days away.
Thousands of lights have already been strung up on the trees outside the Court House for the kick-off to the three day celebration, the annual Festival of Lights. This year’s event, which once again features caroling, local musical acts and free refreshments, gets underway at seven p.m. on November 30.
Before that though, Cowpuccino’s is once again sponsoring an evening of Gingerbread Decorating with sessions at five or 5:45 p.m., and anyone wishing to participate is asked to pre-register. Throughout the day the Rupert Square Mall will host a children’s Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, and that night merchants will be staying open late for some pre-Christmas shopping.
The next morning Santa will be in attendance at the pancake breakfast at the Mason’s Hall from eight a.m. to 11 a.m. Saint Nick will then join other floats for the Santa Claus Parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Third Avenue West and makes its way to the Overwaitea parking lot. There’s lots of fun throughout Saturday afternoon with hot chocolate at Overwaitea, free skating at 12:30 p.m. and a free swim at two p.m., a free matinee at the Port Interpretive Centre at 2:30 p.m., and much more. The Winterfest Craft Fair runs from 10 a.m. to five p.m. in the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre auditorium, and the Art Fair is at the Museum from 10 a.m. to nine p.m.
On the Saturday evening, the Christmas Carol Sailpast will make the harbour come alive with the 31st annual parade of boats dressed out in spectacular fashion. There will be a gigantic bonfire, free refreshments, entertainment and a colourful fireworks display glistening on the harbour waters to put you in the festive spirit!
On Sunday, Dec. 2, the Rotary Choir will present Wintersong at three p.m. followed by “The Other Side of Christmas” at seven p.m. with the Ministerial Association at the Salvation Army.
The volunteers of the Prince Rupert Special Events Society organize this community event. Visit www.prspecialevents.com to view the Winterfest schedule.