By Steven Haywood of the Oak Bay News
Saanichton’s 2017 Christmas Tree Trail and Community Christmas event will take place this Saturday, Dec. 2 and there’s a new twist this year.
In recognition of Tally-Ho Carriage Tours’ involvement for the last 10 years, each participating business will ‘hide’ a stuffed horse in their Christmas tree on display. Families dropping in to see each of those Trail Trees, between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., can find the stuffies, record their names and add them to their entry in the Saanichton Village Association’s contest. The grand prize is a gift certificate for a private 45-minute carriage ride ($180 value).
The day starts off with a community pancake breakfast, hosted by the Central Saanich Lions Club, with proceeds from the by-donation event to the Sidney Lions Food Bank. The breakfast takes place at St. Mary’s Church from 9 to 11:15 a.m. People can expect a special visit from Santa, who will pose for photos, also by donation to the food bank.
There will be horse-drawn carriage rides starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. They run from Fresh Cup Coffee. A gingerbread decorating station will be set up at the Saanich Pioneer Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and there will be a Winter Market at Pioneer Square from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live music provided by Fine Spirits.
Saanichton Village Association President Jim Townley says this is the 13th Community Christmas and organizers hope the events raise in excess of $3,500 for the food bank — topping the amount raised in 2016.
“It’s a way to engage with children and their parents and get them walking around outside, visiting local businesses and places like the Pioneer Museum,” he said.
“We convert the entire (Saanichton) Village into a great space for the entire family.”
For more details, visit www.saanichtonvillage.ca
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