Here comes Santa Claus.
Winterfest is just around the corner and plans are coming together for Castlegar’s kickoff to the holiday season.
Winterfest will take place Friday, Nov. 30. Most of the activities will be centred around city hall, where Santa will be giving out goody bags and listening to children’s wish lists.
The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with family entertainment, including Christmas music and dancers from the Scottie School of Highland Dance.
The Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. along the downtown portion of Columbia Avenue.
At 6:30 p.m., the giant Christmas tree in front of city hall will be lit and Santa and Mrs. Claus will begin to discover what’s on the top of local kids’ wish lists.
Live entertainment will be ongoing from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Stasia Rezansoff will take the stage first, followed by local band Rebellious Intentions.
To wrap up the evening, the Castle Theatre will present a free showing of Home Alone.
Vendors will be on site all evening with crafts and clothing. The Lions Club will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs and First Robson Scouts will sell popcorn. Applications for vendors and parade entries are still being accepted.
Columbia Avenue will be closed between 6th Street and 2nd Street from 5 to 9 p.m. Residents are advised to use 6th Street to 9th Avenue to 2nd Street to bypass the road closure.
Santa Claus Breakfast
If you haven’t had enough festivities by the end of Friday evening, Saturday offers even more holiday cheer.
The Santa Claus Breakfast will take place at the Castlegar Community Complex at 9 a.m. on Dec. 1.
Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance at the front desk of the complex. There will be no same-day ticket sales.
The Stanley Humphries Secondary School marketing class has been helping with planning and organizing the event and they will be on hand to make sure things go smoothly.
The Castlegar Rebels will also be pitching in.
Community Skate
A free community skate will also take place Saturday, Dec. 1.
The World Juniors Skate Day will be at the Pioneer Arena from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Selkirk College Saints will be on hand to offer skating tips and sign autographs. Supercats Studio will be providing a live DJ, and there will be refreshments and door prizes provided by other sponsors.
Free Swim
Also on Dec. 1, Columbia Power will be sponsoring a free swim at the Castlegar Commuity Complex from 12-4 p.m. The Big Red Dog will be making an appearance at the pool during the swim.