Word has it that Santa Claus has sent greetings from the North Pole and has confirmed an early arrival to Barriere, B.C., on Friday, Dec. 7. Santa has plans to attend the Barriere Christmas Parade and District Tree Lighting, and then he will spend the night in the community so he can be guest of honour at the Breakfast with Santa at the Lions Hall on Saturday, Dec. 8.
The Christmas Parade marshall, Sylvia Chivers, says the Parade will assemble at 5:30 p.m. at The Barriere Elementary School and will move out at 6 p.m. sharp, it will proceed to Barkley Road and continue right on Barriere Town Road, arriving at the BandShell in Fadear Park.
This year the parade is sponsored by the North Thompson Volunteer Centre, and is in the evening so you will be able to decorate with lights and other sources of illumination. Organizers ask that anyone walking make their presence visible by using reflective gear and glow lights, so that you will be visible in the darkness.
Upon arrival of the parade, a grand march of costumes will be held at the BandShell oval, with a great prize for the best individual costume!
Judging of the parade will be on route, and prizes will be announced at the BandShell after the costume march.
At 7 p.m. the District of Barriere Christmas tree will be illuminated, and everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy carolling by the fire, with other Christmas festivities that the District elves have to offer.
Sweetnam’s will be on hand making Christmas decorations, and of course hot dogs and hot chocolate will also be available.
The Barriere Fire Department, RCMP, and Search and Rescue will be in attendance to keep everyone safe and warm.
Then, the next morning (Saturday, Dec. 8) the community is invited to spend the morning with family and friends at the Barriere Lions Hall for breakfast and pictures with jolly ol’ Santa.
The Lion’s members will be up early preparing their world famous delicious breakfast, and Success by 6 will organize pictures with Santa, along with lots of great music and Christmas activities.
The breakfast is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.; admission is by donation of cash or a Food Bank item, with a charge of $3 for Santa pictures.
A fun weekend of excitement for everyone! Everyone is invited to come out and share the blessings of the season and the joy of living in such a great community.
If we are all very nice, Santa may even show up for Late Night Holiday Shopping on Thursday, Dec. 13.
Barriere has a lot to offer this holiday season, so come on out and join in the festivities!