It’s time to kick off the holiday season in Colwood with the city’s annual Christmas light-up at city hall next Wednesday (Dec. 3).
There will be free hot dogs, hot chocolate and apple fritters from local shops and eateries, performances by local school choirs and crafting activities for the kids led by volunteers from West Shore Parks and Recreation. Plenty of things to keep the kiddies busy until Santa makes his grand entrance on a fire truck.
“It’s just fun,” says Mayor Carol Hamilton. “We have different things going on each time. This year they’ve got quite a different setup. Instead of being out in the parking lot, we’re going to be closer in to city hall, and the council and committee room is going to be opened for the kids’ crafts.”
The best part about the evening is the community’s enthusiasm, she says. “It’s all the kids and families that come down there.”
Non-perishable donations will be accepted for the Goldstream Food Bank and Colwood’s Christmas Backpack Project, which fills packs with school supplies and treats for children, as well as warm clothing, toiletries, food and small blankets for the homeless.
“I just walked past the donation drop-off area (in city hall) and it was just overflowing,” says Hamilton. “It was lovely to see the contributions that have been made.”
The evening runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 3300 Wishart Rd. For more information, visit colwood.ca or facebook.com/Christmasbackpackproject
acowan@goldstreamgazette.com