Jolly old Saint Nick and his better half, Mrs. Claus, make their way down Main Street in Osoyoos during the annual Christmas Lite-Up parade last year. This year, the Osoyoos Festival Society will be hosting the 24th annual Christmas Lite-Up on November 30 and December 1, with a wide variety of events planned for both days. Photo by Mathew White.
There may not be much snow on the ground, but don’t let the weather fool you – Christmas is well on its way.
And as the holiday season approaches, so too do all the wonderful festivities that make Christmas the joyful holiday that it is.
And of course, what Osoyoos Christmas would be complete without the annual Christmas Lite-Up?
“The Osoyoos Festival Society will be hosting their 24th annual Christmas Lite-Up on November 30 and December 1,” said Nancy Katerenchuk, president of the Osoyoos Festival Society. “So we’d like everybody to mark these dates on their calendar and come out and enjoy.”
“It’s been going on for 24 years and it’s the official light up for Osoyoos. And even though Santa appears in other locations prior to the Christmas Lite-Up, this is how we welcome Santa into our community. I realize it’s a little early this year, but everyone should come on down and enjoy what we have to offer the community.”
The two-day event will kick off Friday morning with the annual “Toys for Tots-to-Teens” breakfast at Smitty’s Family Restaurant on Main Street. From 7-10 a.m., anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy or makes a cash donation will receive a free breakfast at Smitty’s.
“The whole concept around it is, they want toys for the smaller kids right up to the teenagers,” said Katerenchuk. “And all the toys and cash and everything that is donated goes towards the ‘Share the Christmas Spirit’ program, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Osoyoos.”
Following the breakfast is the merchant open house, said Katerenchuk, which has businesses all over Osoyoos lighting up their front entrances and offering various specials, refreshments and goodwill.
“We encourage all merchants to dress up their windows or just get into the festive spirit,” said Katerenchuk.
This portion of the Lite-Up also includes the Osoyoos Lake Lions Club’s annual hot dog and hot chocolate sale, which will be located in front of Steadman’s on Main Street. All proceeds from the sale are being donated to the Osoyoos Food Bank.
At 6 p.m., the Okanagan International Chorus will set up camp in front of Home Hardware for traditional Christmas carols. And then at 6:30 p.m., it’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for.
“We’re going to give Santa our warmest welcome,” said Katerenchuk with a laugh.
The annual Lite-Up parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will start at the Tim Hortons on Main Street and make its way to the Family Foods grocery store. Katerenchuk said they are hoping for somewhere between 20-25 floats this year.
“We encourage everyone to share the community spirit and enter into the parade,” she said.
Katerenchuk said it is also important to note that all lanes on Highway 3 (Main Street), from the lights at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 3 to the junction of Highway 3 and Kingfisher Drive, will be closed from 6:15-7:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30 to accommodate the parade.
The Lite-Up will then continue on Saturday, Dec. 1 with a breakfast and photos with Santa event at the Osoyoos Baptist Church (6210 Hwy. 97) from 8:30-11 a.m. Katerenchuk said the event is being sponsored by the Osoyoos Child Care Centre and will have the Osoyoos Coyotes trading in their jerseys for aprons as they serve the guests.
“So that will be a special treat for everyone,” said Katerenchuk.
Breakfast is $5 each with children under 10 admitted free (with a donation to the Osoyoos Food Bank). Photos with Santa cost $3 each or two for $5. There is also a bake sale.
The Kiwanis Christmas Craft Fair is also being held at the Osoyoos Legion from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Cost of admission is a donation to the Osoyoos Food Bank.
Finally, the Christmas Lite-Up will wrap with a “Musical Journey to Christmas” sing-along at the Osoyoos United Church Hall (7814 Spartan Drive) from 2-3:30 p.m.
“Everybody’s welcome to join,” said Katerenchuk.
This event is free to anyone who cares to join. Katerenchuk said the church will be accepting donations to the Osoyoos Food Bank, but it is not required.
Anyone interested in entering the parade can do so free of charge by contacting Katerenchuk at 250-495-4008 or picking up a parade entry form at the Osoyoos Times office on Main Street. Katerenchuk said she will accept applications until just a couple of days before the parade.
