Around Town
A look at what’s on in the Valley from November 2016 to January 2017
NOVEMBER 17—Barra MacNeils’ Celtic East Coast Christmas. This highly anticipated returning show features a highly entertaining blend of seasonal fare mixed with entertaining stories and stamped with their lush harmonies and intricate instrumental stylings. A wonderful mix of the classic favourites and many other tunes of the season. Sid Williams Theatre, ailment $42.50. 7:30 pm. www.sidwilliamstheatre.com
NOVEMBER 16-19—St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary Chistmas Sale. Cottage Thrift Shop, approved
off Rodello Street in Comox. Wed. – Fri. 10am-4pm; Sat. 10am – 1pm.
NOVEMBER 18—Comox Valley Art Gallery Christmas Craft Fair Opening. This year the Gallery will feature over 60 local and regional artists during our 42nd Annual Christmas Craft Fair. On November 18th and 19th CVAG members will receive a 15% discount and walk-in customers will receive 10% off purchases. Utilizing the entire gallery space, the fair will run from November 18th to December 26, 2016, with opening day specials, as well as hot juice and home-made cookies on Saturdays throughout the fair. Visit www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com FMI.
NOVEMBER 18-20—Moonlight Magic in Downtown Courtenay. Come and take advantage of offers all day long from local merchants and get a head start on the holiday shopping. Friday night from 5-9pm, Downtown Courtenay welcomes residents and visitors for a night of fun, friends and fiery festivities. Moonlight and Magic Night Market on Duncan, Christmas tree light up, live fire performance, music, craft fairs, roving performers, choirs , shopping and dining specials and more. Santa arrives on Sunday at 2pm. www.downtowncourtenay.com
NOVEMBER 19—Cumberland Legion Bazaar. 9am – 4pm.
NOVEMBER 19 & 20—Fanny Bay Christmas Craft Fair. The holiday craft shopping event of the Season! Lovely crafts, food products, baking and more. Friendly vendors and community members will kick off your Christmas spirit. Invite our friends to this event and meet up to shop. Morning baking, coffee and lunch concession will keep you fuelled up to enjoy the day. Fanny Bay Community Hall. Free admission. Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 10am-3pm.
NOVEMBER 19—24th Annual Fiesta World Craft Bazaar. More than 50 local and global organizations selling unique handmade fair trade products. Household items for each room of your house. Clothing, jewelry, toys, cards, calendars, food, ethnic lunch. Adults $2/under 18 are free. Florence Filberg Centre.
NOVEMBER 20— Comox Valley Christmas Parade. Spectators get ready for a diverse array of parade entries and look forward to a visit from Jolly Old Saint Nicholas! Parade starts at 2:00pm and takes place on 5th street between Harmston Ave and Cliffe Ave.
NOVEMBER 20—Stagnhare Christmas Market. This is a local curated event that features some of our favourite artisans, crafters and small locally owned boutiques. Native Sons Hall, Courtenay. Tickets $5, children under 12 free. Doors open at 10am till 4pm. www.stagnhare.com
NOVEMBER 20—Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. A fast-paced farcical adventure! Five actors play over 40 comical characters, filling the stage with suspects, allies, and heirs in this zany whodunit based on the Arthur Conan Doyle classic. When the wealthy Henry Baskerville is threatened by the fable of a bloodthirsty hound on the moors, Holmes and Watson are on the case to sniff out the culprit. Sid Williams Theatre, 7 pm. www.sidwilliamstheatre.com
NOVEMBER 25-27—Central Island Studio Tour. Three full days of art exploration and hunting are coming your way. More than 45 working studios and artist-run galleries, encompassing over 70 artists of every discipline who will be in attendance to discuss their work, share their process, and of course, happily sell their wares. Studios are located between Fanny Bay and Black Creek. www.comoxvalleyarts.com
NOVEMBER 25 & 26—Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. This Festival is a program of the Banff Centre, and is the largest, and one of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. Hot on the heels of the festival held every fall in Banff, this Film Festival World Tour hits the road. From approximately 350 films entered into the annual festival, award-winning films and audience favorites are among the films chosen to travel the globe. www.sidwilliamstheatre.com
NOVEMBER 26—Cumberland WinterFaire. Cumberland’s annual magical, mystical lively winter arts and crafts fair features over 50 vendors and great community vibes. Vendors of handmade, homemade and fair trade items offer up an amazing selection of Christmas gift ideas. Shop, socialize and enjoy tasty treats from the WinterFaire canteen. Take in festive live music while visiting with friends and neighbours. Cumberland Recreational Institute. Admission $2, children under 12 free. Visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca FMI.
NOVEMBER 26 & 27—Christmas at the Lodge & Holiday Market. Tis the season and what better place than at the beautiful Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park to prepare for the holidays. Join us for a classic Christmas in the Park and get your seasonal shopping done at the same time with a host of fine artists and gourmet gift ideas. Bring the whole family and enjoy food, festive greats, music, Christmas tree decorating and raffle prizes. Did we mention Santa will be stopping by? Also, stay late and see the Park all lit-up. Free admission. 10am-4pm both days. Visit www.filberg.com FMI.
NOVEMBER 26—Yule Tide Craft Faire, from 10 am – 4pm at Grantham Hall, Tsolum, 6040 Old Island Highway. (across from Nides School on Smith Rd. and Old Island Hwy.) Hosted by Tsolum Rebekah Lodge #78, fundraising for 40 years in the Valley. Lunch available and many unique crafters.
NOVEMBER 27—Liona Boyd—A Winter Fantasy. In concert with Andrew Dolson (Liona’s newest protégé. Sid Williams Theatre, $42.50/students $22.50. 7:30 pm.
DECEMBER 1—The Ken Lavigne Christmas Musical Roadshow 2016. Music, Merriment and magic will fill the air as Ken takes a loving look back to the great radio shows of old. You will be transported with this nostalgic and enchanting musical tour through the 1940s and golden age of radio with Ken’s Band and special guests Alison MacDonald and Daniel James White. Let Ken’s lyric tenor voice and hilarious stories fill you with the joy and spirit of the holiday season. Sid Williams Theatre, 7:30 pm. Visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com FMI.
DECEMBER 1-23—Christmas at the Barn, at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. See the barn and garden lights 5-9pm. Santa is in attendance Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm. Carol Walks with Cantiamo Chamber Ensemble, Dec. 17-18, 21-22 from 7-9pm. 6183 Whitaker Road, Courtenay. www.woodlandgardens.ca
DECEMBER 2-4, 9-11, 16-23—Crown Isle Resort Walk and Community Tree Trail. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays., 5pm – 9pm. Admission by donation of a non-perishable food item to the Food Bank. Gingerbread Village and Teddy Bear Basket displays Nov. 28 through Dec. 17, 9am-9pm. For more information go to www.crownisle.com/holiday-resort-walk
DECEMBER 3—Put on your thinking caps and join the Just In Time Choirs for a fast-paced round of musical Trivial Pursuit! Our “top secret” song list has been chosen to answer questions from the six Trivia categories. Lucky audience members will have a chance to spin the wheel and win prizes. Two Saturday performances (2pm and 7:30 pm) will feature selections from jazz, roots, contemporary music and much more. Tickets $16 available in Comox at Blue Heron Books, Red Carpet Boutique, and Gone Hollywood, or in Courtenay at House of Color. Comox Pentecostal Church, 1919 Guthrie Road.
DECEMBER 4—9th Annual Santa’s Breakfast. This community celebration of the season is presented by the Cumberland Community Schools Society (CCSS) with support from the Village of Cumberland. Join us for a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, wreath making, silent auction and a visit with Santa. Admission by donation. Cumberland Recreation Institute, Cumberland. 8:30 am. Visit www.cumberlandcommunityschools.com FMI.
DECEMBER 2 & 3—The award-winning British comedy duo James & Jamesy celebrate the holiday season with the outrageously witty theatrical escapade O Christmas Tea. When a catastrophe strikes at James & Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world in tea, the friends leap into action—using spectacular imagination, physical feats and uproarious humor to keep afloat. Seventeen-time ‘Best-of-Fest’ winners at theatre festivals across North America, the pair will sweep spectators out to sea in an interactive aquatic adventure brimming with action, ingenuity and a dash of Christmas cheer. Tickets from $15. Sid Williams Theatre, 7:30 pm. Visit jamesandjamesy.com/o-christmas-tea FMI.
DECEMBER 3 & 4—35th Annual Denman Island Christmas Craft Faire. Noted as one of the top 10 December winter events to attend in BC. More than 70 craft booths where mostly Denman artisans will offer a wide selection of pottery, carvings, woodworking, paintings, jewelry, weaving, herbs, soaps and essential oils, clothing and more. This is the perfect start to your holiday shopping! Admission is free, both venues are wheelchair accessible. Delicious lunches are available in the Food Hall. Park your vehicle at Buckley Bay and walk on the ferry. A shuttle van will be on hand to transfer visitors to the village—or, it’s only a two block walk up the hill. 10am-4pm each day.
DECEMBER 3—Elevate Winter Bazaar #5. The dark belly of the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay is host to a craft fair with a twist. More than 40 creators of beautiful, breathtaking and bizarre arts and crafts will be descending on the Lower Native Sons Hall for the 5th Annual Elevate Winter Bazaar. This highly anticipated craft fair offers attendees the opportunity to discover enticing, intriguing and unusual works from sublimely inspired local artisans. 9am – 3pm. Admission by donation. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1385642311462534/ FMI.
DECEMBER 3—Children’s Winter Faire. Magical activities for the whole family. All are welcome. No admission, small fee for activities. Make your own winter crafts, gifts from the Pocket Lady, Woodland Fairy Pond, Story Theatre and Children’s Choir. Hot lunch, sweet treats and warm drinks. Visit our popular Artisan Market Place filled with a unique variety of quality handcrafted toys, gifts and treasures for children and adults, all created locally. Saltwater Waldorf School, 2311 Rosewall Crescent, Courtenay. 10am – 2pm. Visit www.saltwaterschool.com FMI.
DECEMBER 3 & 4—Black Creek Christmas Craft Market. Christmas in Black Creek is a two day rustic holiday shopping experience at the Black Creek Community Centre. More than 30 local artisans and crafts, baked goods and hot drinks. Forest Story Walk and more. Both days, 10am-3pm. Admission by donation.
DECEMBER 4—Learn how to meditate! The simple and effective techniques of Sahaja Yoga Meditation will allow you to master stress, improve your health, face yourself and achieve balance in every aspect of life. Ancient knowledge and practices are adapted to modern day needs for people of all ages and walks of life. Free, Courtenay Library from 12:30 – 2:30 pm.
DECEMBER 5—Christmas Truck Parade. Hosted by the Cumberland Truck Light Parade Committee. Join Santa at Village Square in Cumberland from 5pm for cookies and hot chocolate. Parade leaves Small Road at 5pm, travels Comox Valley Parkway to Courtenay, south along Highway 19A to Royston and to Cumberland via Royston Road. Trucks will arrive in Cumberland where they will travel west on Dunsmuir Avenue, turn at Second Street and return to Dunsmuir Avenue to park. Visit www.cumberland.ca FMI.
DECEMBER 6—Service in Search of Peace and Light. This candlelight service will celebrate the peace given to us at this time of year. This is a contemplative service with some poems, songs, and even a special advent creed perfect for the season. It comes from the Iona Celtic Christmas tradition. All are welcome! Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, Comox. 5pm.
DECEMBER 6 & 7—10TH Annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular 2016. This year’s singing and dancing extravaganza will include new Broadway hits, classical songs and Christmas favorites as well as musical tributes to Johnny Cash, June Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and the Village People. As part of our 10th anniversary show, Elvis will once again grace the stage and the sights and sounds of ABBA will be back by popular demand. December 6 & 7—7pm; December 7—3pm. Sid Williams Theatre, $40 adults/$33 students. Visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com FMI.
DECEMBER 10—Strathcona Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Music for a Sleigh Ride’. Come one and all to enjoy this musical offering which will delight the spirit on a dark winter’s night. Filled with familiar holiday tunes from across the ages, there is something for everyone in this concert. Tickets $15, available at Benjamin Moore House of Color, Courtenay, Blue Heron Books, Comox and Rare Bird Bookshop, Cumberland. Native Sons Hall, 7pm. Visit www.facebook.com/StrathconaSymphonyOrchestra/ FMI.
DECEMBER 10—David Myles—It’s Christmas. The David Myles Trio celebrates the holiday season! Like his trademark suit, David Myles’ music is timeless. Regardless of quickly passing trends and fads, it will persevere. From soulful, contemporary pop crooners to delicate, jazzy folk ditties, and down-home, back porch roots tunes to infectious hip-hop earworms, David’s only artistic constants are his always growing, shape shifting songwriting and his exceptional ability to entertain. Sid Williams Theatre, 7:30 pm. Visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com FMI.
DECEMBER 11—Christmas Dinner & Dance. Br. 17 North Island Fiddlers will be holding their dinner and dance at the Fallen Alders Hall, Royston. The doors open at 1:30pm for entertainment and a dinner of turkey and ham will be served at 5pm. $24/person. Our group plays Old Time Dance music and there will be a 50-50 draw and door prize. Everyone welcome to come and enjoy the music, dance and share the spirit of Christmas. Call Lorraine, 250-336-8302 for tickets.
DECEMBER 11—Children’s Christmas Party & Potluck Dinner. Bring your children, grandchildren or just yourselves and join in the fun of some crafts, games, raffles and a delicious pot-luck dinner. Doors open at 3pm; Santa arrives at 4:30 pm; dinner approximately 5pm. Courtenay Fish & Game Club.
DECEMBER 13—Service of Joy: A Journey with Mary. Join us at this special lessons and carols service in which we travel with Mary through this season. Hear her brave words and sing familiar songs as we approach Christmas. It is a true celebration of joy! Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, Comox. 5 pm.
DECEMBER 17— A Tribute to Adele—When We Were Young. By Susie McGregor & Elizabeth McGregor Lorime & Rosalind McGregor. Like Adele, Susie has the rare ability to move listeners with her soulful performance and stunning vocal talent, portraying the heart felt lyrics of each and every song. Her Tribute includes all of your favourite Adele hits. Susie will be sharing the stage with her talented daughters (ages 10 & 13) to present Adele over the ages. 2pm at the Comox Rec Centre. Tickets $20 in advance at $25 at the door. FMI www.facebook.com/events/1727727477551691/
DECEMBER 26—Polar Bear Swim. Join the Comox Community Centre staff for their annual Boxing Day Polar Bear Swim held at Goose Spit. Registration starts at 11:30 am and the swim kicks off at 12pm noon sharp. Please bring a non-perishable item for donation to the Food Bank to participate in this cold water fun event. Visit www.comox.ca/recreation/rec-events FMI.
DECEMBER 26-31—Peter & the Starcatcher. Did you ever wonder how Peter Pan came to be? Courtenay Little Theatre will let you in on the secret when they present the musical play, Peter and the Starcatcher. Find out how an orphan becomes Peter Pan. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. Sid Williams Theatre, Dec. 26—2pm; Dec. 27-31—7:30 pm. Tickets $22 all ages.
JANUARY 15—Family Film Series, Thumbelina. 2pm. Admission by donation. Visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com FMI.
ONGOING EVENTS
EVERY SUNDAY — Bluegrass Brunch Sundays with Archie Pateman & Friends. 10:30 am. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322 www.cumberlandvillageworks.com
EVERY MONDAY — Senior’s Program, Halbe Hall in Black Creek. Start with an hour-long fitness class, followed by a homemade lunch provided by the Black Creek Community Assoc. $5 drop-in. 250-337-5190 FMI.
EVERY MONDAY — The Woolgatherers. A guild-style fine fibre group with equipment, a library and skill sharing for spinners, weavers, knitters etc. 11:30am-3pm, Fallen Alders Hall, Royston. Everyone welcome. Call Meta, 250-339-0676 or Norma, 250-890-1218 FMI
EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY — Al-Anon for people concerned about a loved one’s drinking. Mon, Tues and Fri 8 pm; Thurs 10 am. Call 250-334-2392 FMI.
EVERY TUESDAY — Fun Euchre, Courtenay Legion, 1:30 pm. Mixed pub darts at 7 pm.
EVERY TUESDAY — Drop-in meditation with Lucas every Tuesday, 7 pm at Ocean Resort, Oyster Bay (by $$ donations to the food banks). Call 250-792-3165.
EVERY TUESDAY — Universal Devotional Chanting and Meditation. Mystic Valley Voices Chanting Community. Little Red Church Healing Centre, 2182 Comox Avenue (at Alpine). 6:45-8:30pm. Everyone welcome! ChantMaster Oliver Clarke, 250-218-1688. Visit www.mysticvalleyvoices.org FMI.
EVERY TUESDAY — Tech Tuesday at the Courtenay Library. Drop-in and get help with technology issues (iPads, tablets, readers, laptops, etc.). 2:30-4pm. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.
EVERY TUESDAY — A Good Yarn Knitting & Crochet Circle meets at the Comox Library, 101-1720 Beaufort Avenue on Tuesday from 6-8 pm. Lessons, refreshments and some supplies are provided. All ages. Drop in. 250-339-1240 or [email protected] FMI.
EVERY WEDNESDAY — Drop-in darts at 1pm. Courtenay Legion.
EVERY WEDNESDAY — The Woolly Mammoth Craft Club is a free, all ages knitting circle ongoing Wednesday nights at Lake Trail School. 6:30-8pm at Lake Trail School (805 Willemar) in the school library. [email protected].
EVERY WEDNESDAY — Family Storytime. Drop in for songs and stories for kids ages 0-5.10:30-11am. Comox Library, 1720 Beaufort Avenue. Comox
EVERY WEDNESDAY — Regular Drop In Silent Meditation Practice; two sessions: 7-7:30 pm & 7:35-8:05 pm. Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre, 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.
EVERY THURSDAY — Family Storytime. Drop in for songs and stories for kids ages 0-5. 10:30-11am att he Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.
EVERY THURSDAY — Crib & Gucci, Courtenay Legion, 6:30 pm. Men’s darts at 7 pm.
EVERY THURSDAY— Thursday Jazz Club. In the past year the Jazz Club has had over 20 different host combos with 200+ musicians aged 13 to 80 years on the stage. The Avalanche Bar and Grill on Eight Street, Courtenay, 7:30-10:30 pm. www.georgiastraightjazz.com
EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Night Open Jam. Stellar house band, ready to play music in almost any style! 9 pm. No cover. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322. FMI visit www.cumberlandvillageworks.com
EVERY FRIDAY — CCTSC Cycling. Come join us one one of our weekly rides. We are a road cycling group of active adults and members of the cross Canada Cycle Tour Society. Meet at Florence Filberg Centre lower parking lot at 10am. We cycle at a medium pace of 20km/hr for a 40 to 80km ride.
EVERY FRIDAY — Family Storytime. Drop in for songs and stories for kids ages 0-5. 10-10:30am. Cumberland Library, 2746 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland.
EVERY FRIDAY — Conversation Group—a great opportunity to practice English in a safe and welcoming environment. Sponsored by the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Courtenay Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Every Friday, 1-20 pm. Last Friday of the month, 1:30-3pm. Call Jean, 250-338-6359 FMI.
EVERY FRIDAY — High Five Kids. An after-school prgram for kids aged 6-9 who have recently relocated to the Comox Valley, in partnership with the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay. 2:45-4:45pm.
EVERY SATURDAY — Drop in play group for ages 0-5 at the Courtenay Library. 10am-12pm. Wraps up with a story before noon. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.
EVERY SATURDAY — EVERY SATURDAY — Come and join the fun at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm. You will find the freshest produce and the best selection of seasonal vegetables, free-range poultry and eggs, ethnic foods, seafood, cheese and honey, fresh baking, natural skincare products, pet treats and more from the 50+ vendors. Come and meet the producers of your local food. Native Sons Hall, Downtown Courtenay, every Saturday from 10am – 1pm. The last market in December is December 17 and reopening again January 7. FMI: www.cvfm.ca