91原创 City鈥檚 annual Magic of Christmas festival will take over the main gymnasium and outdoor parking lot of the Timms Community Centre in 91原创 City.
However, different this year is that the event will only run for one day (Saturday, Dec. 2) instead of the usual two, said Karlo Tamondong, recreation supervisor.
鈥淭his year will just be a one day event as we鈥檙e going to have more interactive activities,鈥� he explained.
There also won鈥檛 be a booth to write letters to Santa.
Instead, the festival will feature live ice carving and snow sculpting, winter-themed carnival games including ice fishing, bean bag toss, balloon pop on the Christmas tree, penguin races, among others.
A craft station will be set up for kids to make handmade holiday trinkets, and Santa will be at the event for photo opportunities.
鈥淲e have lots of good entertainment and activities for the whole community,鈥� Tamondong said.
The festival is on Saturday, Dec. 2, from noon to 6 p.m.
Support local
The local focus for the seasonal celebration extends to local artisans and businesses.
The 91原创 Arts Council (LAC) will hold its annual Artisan Craft Market inside the centre throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The market has grown in the last few years, explained events coordinator Deepika Pandian of the LAC, with more than 40 vendors participating this year 鈥� including some youth entrepreneurs under 18 years old.
鈥淚t is a great experience to organize the market again this year, we have fine-tuned the process based on past experiences,鈥� she said.
Last year, the market saw more than 500 visitors throughout the weekend, and this year Pandian anticipates a similar or greater turnout.
鈥淲e believe that the holiday market paves way for community engagement where local businesses and residents come together and celebrate the festive season,鈥� she concluded.
Timms Community Centre is located at 20399 Douglas Cres.
The Magic of Christmas Festival replaces the former parade.
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