Cadboro Bay officially ushers in the Christmas season this weekend with its Caroling in the Village event.
The annual event put on by the Cadboro Bay Village Business Association will take place Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“It’s a free event and a great event to take your kids to because it’s not too late. It really makes it feel like a community with the residents and businesses working together, said Leanne Allen, community co-ordinator with the Cadboro Bay Village Business Association.
The event takes place on Cadboro Bay Road, which will be closed to traffic between Sinclair and Penrhyn. A large stage will be set up on the road, accommodating performances by the Mount Douglas secondary Jazz Band and Choir and as well as Louise Rose and the Open Door Choir.
“Various businesses from the village will have tents set up and be handing out different holiday treats like hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts and popcorn,” said Allen.
The items are all available by donation, with a suggested $1 cost per item. There will also be a raffle for a chance to win a host of prizes from gift baskets to Chriistmas turkeys. All the proceeds from the event will be divided between Our Place Society and the Mount Douglas secondary music program.
“Last year we raised just over $2,000, which is I think the best we’ve done,” said Allen.
She said last year saw crowds of several hundred people, adding the event helps foster a spirit of community with merchants mingling with customers and residents.
“Most of the people who attend, they have been doing it for a decade or more,” said Allen. “They get to see the people they normally only see behind the cash register and can interact with them and see how they’re giving back to the community.”