With the temperature dropping and the snow starting to fly, the volunteers of the Prince Rupert Special Events Society are getting set for a busy weekend with the 16th annual Winterfest beginning on Thursday.
December 1 is all about evening events, with the Museum of Northern BC hosting the “Scenic British Columbia” display by the Prince Rupert Camera Club from seven to nine p.m. and Charles Hays presenting “Chicago: A Vaudeville Musical” beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Lester Centre, the first of three nights for the performance.
On December 2 the “Scenic British Columbia” display will be at the museum from nine a.m. to five p.m., while a children’s tree decorating contest will be held at the Rupert Square Mall from 9:30 a.m. to five p.m. Cowpuccino’s will once again be hosting gingerbread decorating fun for those pre-registered, from five p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the Festival of Lights will begin at the Courthouse lawn at seven p.m. and include musical entertainment and free refreshments. Friday night will be capped off with another performance of Chicago and late night shopping.
Winterfest activities get underway early on December 3 with breakfast and photos with Santa beginning at eight a.m. at the Masonic Hall, Scenic British Columbia back at the Museum of Northern BC beginning at nine a.m., an art show and sale at the Museum of Northern BC running from 10 a.m. to four p.m. and the SPCA Craft and Home Business Fair, with pet photos, running from 10 a.m. to five p.m. downstairs at the Rupert Square Mall. The annual Winterfest Parade will make its way up Third Avenue West at 11 a.m. with hot chocolate to follow at Overwaitea. From 11:30 a.m. to one p.m. there will be a free skate with donation of an item to the food bank, Christmas readings will be held at Rainforest Books at one p.m. and there will be a free swim with a food bank item from two p.m. to four p.m.
That evening the Sailpast and bonfire, with music and refreshments, will get underway at Rotary Waterfront Park at 6:30 p.m. with Fireworks scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Chicago will also get underway at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday Winterfest will wrap up with the art show and sale returning to the Museum from 10 a.m. to four p.m.