– by Bob Cratchit –
The idea of coming together with friends and family during the holiday season to share a fresh cup of coffee,
tea or hot chocolate creates a warm feeling inside most of us, perhaps not Mr. Scrooge. The Village of Saanichton takes the gathering experience and goes one step further, by bringing the entire community together with their annual ‘Community Christmas Event’. This year the event happens: Saturday December 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Saanichton Village slows down a little on that day so children can enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa at St. Mary’s Church starting at 9:00 a.m. (courtesy of the Central Saanich Lions), have a photo with Santa himself (by donation to the food bank), walk the Tree Trail with the family, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, decorate a gingerbread man at the Saanich Pioneer Museum, listen to some live local music, but most of all … become more familiar with the people in the community.
This will be the 10th Annual event, with all proceeds going to the Sidney Lions Food Bank, a worthy cause all year round. There are over 10 trees on the Christmas Tree Trail, starting at 9:30 a.m. and is a wonderful tradition, with most of the businesses in the local area putting up a splendid tree for the big and small kids to enjoy. Families are given a map to follow, with the kids collecting stamps at each location, and sometimes a little cup of hot chocolate or treat!
The event is presented by The Saanichton Village Association, Seaside Magazine, and the local businesses community in the Saanichton area. For the third year, there will be a ‘Christmas Craft Fair & Market’ in the parking lot behind Fresh Cup Café, where Christmas Headquarters is located, 1931 Mt. Newton X Rd. These local crafters and artisans, bakers and food producers will have seasonal items to buy for those that like high quality, locally made products.
For many this event has become a cornerstone of their seasonal Christmas Tradition, and there are a number of guest appearances with elves, Rudolph, and Santa in attendance.
Be sure to visit Christmas Headquarters at Fresh Cup Café 1931 Mt. Newton X Rd. to drop-off your donation to the food bank, get a free coffee, Christmas cookie, Tree Trail Map, and spend some quality family time … because everyone loves horses and Santa!
