Former Miss Osoyoos Gina Pereira waves from a float where she rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus and other members of the Osoyoos Royalty in last year’s Christmas Lite-up parade. That parade took place in cold weather, forcing City of Penticton Pipe Band to cancel. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Christmas decorations may have been going up in recent weeks, but in Osoyoos the holiday season really kicks off with Christmas Lite-up next week.
The Osoyoos Festival Society holds its 26th annual Lite-up event from December 4 to 6.
Most of the events such as the Santa Parade down Main Street on Friday, Dec. 5 will be similar to previous years, but there are several new events this year, said Nancy Katerenchuk, Osoyoos Festival Society president.
New this year are Craft and Cookie Decorating at Troy’s Grill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest at Osoyoos Sears at 3 p.m. the same day.
“We’re really thankful to Troy’s for stepping up and volunteering their restaurant,” said Katerenchuk. “And Osoyoos Sears with the sweater contest should be lots of fun.”
Also new this year, the Rotary Club of Osoyoos has stepped up to provide hot dogs and hot chocolate in front of Mad House on Main Street (the former Stedman’s location).
The now-defunct Lions Club previously did this.
The Rotary Club is also co-ordinating a food bank drive with bins throughout Main Street where people can drop off food bank donations, said Katerenchuk.
The parade welcoming Santa Claus to Osoyoos is the highlight of Lite-up. It runs down Main Street starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
Entry forms can be picked up at the Osoyoos Times or by calling Katerenchuk at 250-495-4008.
New this year, Chad Saunders and Stacy Little will play the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The City of Penticton Pipe Band plans to participate in this year’s parade. Last year the weather was too cold for their instruments and they had to cancel, Katerenchuk said.
“I’m sure hoping this year it’s going to be warmer,” she said. “It should be a fun time for everyone.”
As in previous years, events organized by other organizations are being promoted as part of Christmas Lite-up.
The first event is the Christmas Concert by Foothills Brass at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Osoyoos Secondary Community Theatre. That event is part of the Osoyoos Concert Series.
In another popular annual event, Smitty’s Restaurant is holding its Toys for Tots and Teens event from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. Visitors will receive a breakfast in exchange for an unwrapped children’s toy or a cash donation for the Kiwanis Club’s Share the Christmas Spirit program.
Katerenchuk said people are being encouraged to consider bringing items for teens as they are often overlooked when people bring items for younger children.
Also on Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m., a Merchant Open House is being held with various businesses providing hourly specials and refreshments.
Saturday, Dec. 6 starts off with Breakfast with Santa and Photos at Osoyoos Baptist Church from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is sponsored by Osoyoos Child Care Centre and breakfast is served by the Osoyoos Coyotes hockey team.
The Kiwanis Christmas Craft Fair also runs on the Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Legion Hall.
Katerenchuk encourages everyone to dress warmly and come out to enjoy the events.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
