“Hi, I’m Dale from the Chronicle.”
“Hi, I’m Wayne from the bakery.”
I know it’s still November, and although I’m not necessarily a Christmas grinch, I do believe the holiday season has its place and time, which, for the most part, closely surrounds December 25th, Christmas Day!
That said, this story is about Christmas, and most notably, Oliver’s Annual Community Christmas Light Up and Winter in Wine Country events.
I’ve been part of the group organizing this years event. Most of the people around the table the past couple of months are local business owners and help out with the Oliver Business Association. More importantly, they are community leaders who just want to make Oliver a better place to live, and play.
So, this past Friday, Wayne Jones from Oliver’s Bakery & Deli and I took to the streets, handing out information to local businesses along Main, and discussing the upcoming Light Up event, set for the weekend of Nov. 28 and 29. It really was an easy sell, although I wonder if these business owners were just schmoozing Wayne to get a free apple turnover!
Having arrived in paradise (I can say that considering the temperature with the wind chill was minus 24 in Edmonton Monday) back in June, I have yet to witness Christmas Light Up.
The more I listened during our organizational meetings, the more I became inspired to help make this a magical event – for kids and adults.
And this year, there will be something for everyone, with the OBA asking residents to ‘Rediscover Downtown Oliver’.
Friday’s events take place along Main Street from 5 to 7 p.m., with the official Light Up Ceremony at 6 p.m. at Oliver Town Hall. Businesses are invited/asked to keep their business doors open until 7 p.m., and welcome shoppers into their space with music or goodies.
There will be face painting at Medici’s, Sage Valley Voices caroling through downtown, pictures with Santa, who will arrive on a fire truck instead of a sleigh, and a unique wreath decorating contest which will replace the former Christmas tree decorating contest. Also, the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Association expects to have all 31 local wineries involved in a wine tasting event, which will be hosted at a downtown location. There’s also Mrs. Claus’ workshop and a colouring contest.
The fun continues at the Oliver Community Park with a bonfire, entertainment and fireworks between 7 and 8 p.m. By the way, sponsors are still required for the fireworks. Contact Carol over at Parks and Rec, and we will make sure your business gets on the sponsors list.
On Saturday, Oliver Parks and Recreation hosts the annual Breakfast with Santa at the Community Hall from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
New this year, a Holiday Matinee Movie, a free movie experience for families at the Oliver Theatre at 2 p.m. featuring the new animated film “Box Trolls”.
And some people tell me there’s nothing to do in Oliver? Sorry not buy it. Get out, get involved, and enjoy what Oliver has to offer.
You can also like the Oliver Business Association page on facebook to stay up to date on Lite Up details. See you on the street Nov. 28.
By Dale Cory
Oliver Chronicle
