Get ready for a little Christmas enchantment.
The first of three holiday-themed events kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 1 with Jingle Bell Lane, a brand-new concept for 2012 being unveiled by Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association.
Just like the extremely successful Party in the Park, the Christmas in the Park launches a series on three consecutive Saturdays, which will fill Central Community Park with family-oriented entertainment in keeping with the holiday spirit.
Christmas lights to light up Jingle Bell Lane? Check. Carol singalong? Check. Visit from Santa and a special tree-lighting? Check.
The spaces along Victoria Avenue and Bole Lane will be literally transformed into a wonderland of static displays, known as Jingle Bell Lane.
“Businesses and individuals, especially former float-builders, are encouraged to create a wonderful, mobile Christmas display on the adjacent streets,” said BIA office manager Debbie Biggins.
She said it’s a new concept this year with colourful yet static displays.
In some ways it’s better than a parade, because if people see something they really like they can go back and gaze to their heart’s content.
There will be glow sticks handed out for the first 500 people to show up, and offer a canned food or cash donation to the food bank.
“We want to light up the park as much as we can!” Biggin enthused.
Deadline for Jingle Bell Lane entries has been extended to Wedne
sday, Nov. 28.
The idea is to illustrate and celebrate what the season means each display builder. Everyone is encouraged to use twinkling lights and even live movement in their scene design.
“The City of Chilliwack Jingle Bell Lane is going to become a welcomed part of our Christmas celebrations,” said Kathy Funk, creator of the new Jingle Bell Lane event, and BIA executive director.
All it will take to succeed is a little community involvement.
Dec. 1 marks for the first festive night of three in the Christmas in the City Series, along with Dec. 8, the first ever Road Hockey Classic with the Chiefs, and Dec. 15, a Christmas Carnival.
Central Community Park will be glowing with lights and music on Dec. 1 with Jingle Bell Lane and Christmas in the Park from 4 to 8 p.m., with a special tree-lighting, an old-fashioned Christmas carol sing-along and a visit with Santa Claus and special guests.
The BIA have been working hard to create a month of exciting activities, including the annual Gingerbread House Contest at Sutton Downtown Business Centre & the Coast Hotel Festival of Trees, said Leanne Adderley.
Dec. 1 marks just the first festive night of three in the Christmas in the City Series, along with Dec. 8, which will see the first ever Road Hockey Classic with the Chiefs, and Dec. 15, a Christmas Carnival.
More at www.downtownchilliwack.com or 604-792-4576.