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Chemainus Valley activities take a festive turn this weekend

Moonlight Madness, Little Town Christmas and Crofton parade fuel yuletide fever
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There’s a space waiting beside Santa for people to pay a visit to him at Moonlight Madness. (Photo submitted)

If you’re not into the Christmas spirit yet, there are plenty of community events this weekend to provide the remedy.

The fourth annual Chemainus Moonlight Madness shopping event takes place Friday, Dec. 7 from 4:30-8 p.m.

Boutiques, galleries, storefronts, restaurants and other shops will be open for this one-day only special event, with deep discounts being offered along with draws and giveaways.

Santa Claus will make an appearance for free photos from 5-6:30 p.m.

A children’s letter writing station will be set up at Willow St. Cafe for kids to write a letter to Santa. Some little elf friends have escaped into Chemainus and children will be put to the test to locate them through a scavenger hunt.

The Chemainus United Church choir will perform Christmas carols along Willow Street for some festive music.

The Holiday Passport Campaign kicks off at Moonlight Madness and runs until Dec. 17 and shoppers collecting five stamps from five different businesses can enter to win a $250 gift card.

“This annual event is very popular with locals and visitors alike,” said Shelley Johnstone, coordinator for the Chemainus Business Improvement Association. “Many wait until Moonlight Madness to start their holiday shopping because of the wonderful variety of gifts that are available in Chemainus and the fun, festive experience of the evening.”

There’s much more in store the next day during the Chemainus Little Town Christmas at the Chemainus Royal Canadian Legion Hall Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m.

“It’s for the children of the Chemainus Valley,” said event coordinator Christina Godbolt.

Children are free and admittance for adults is by donation. There will be hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee and games aplenty.

Tickets for a raffle that helps to cover the cost of the event are $2 each or three for $5. A stay at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville is among the many prizes up for grabs.

For some festive fun, you can put together a wreath and help is available for those who need it.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, the scene shifts to Crofton for the annual Christmas parade starting at 7 p.m. and followed by festive activities on Joan Ave.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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