Take in the sights and sounds of the season with Malahat SkyWalk and experience something unique and truly west coast. From Dec. 3 to Jan. 1, Vancouver Island’s newest premier attraction introduces Holiday Magic — an exciting lineup of fun and festive activities for all to enjoy.
From appearances by Santa along with Luke the Sasquatch Elf, decorations, a 20-foot Christmas tree, Santa’s Workshop, The Clause Family Bakery, and a cozy outdoor fire, there’s no better place to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the best of the season.
“We are excited to welcome our guests to celebrate Holiday Magic with us and discover the beauty of Malahat SkyWalk and the surrounding landscape at this time of year,” said Ken Bailey, general manager of Malahat SkyWalk.
“With so many festive activities to enjoy along with all that the attraction has to offer, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for every member of the family.”
For more information on Malahat SkyWalk, its Holiday Magic events, an annual seasons pass, and more, visit malahatskywalk.com or contact them directly at 1-833-625-2428.
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Historian T.W. Paterson has done something a bit different for the holiday season this year.
Paterson says he usually tries to come out with a new book (his books on local history are renowned), but this year decided to celebrate Cowichan with a calendar of Valley scenes.
With stunning photography by Toad Hollow Photography’s Scott Johnson, the calendar includes some of Cowichan’s most iconic vistas.
While people might like to buy the calendar for themselves, and they can, there’s a twist, Paterson said, which he hopes local businesses and organizations will consider. He’d like to see businesses and groups purchase multiple copies at a discounted price to give out to their best customers, or sell to members and the public as fundraisers. To encourage this model, pricing is $20 each for one to 10 copies, $12 each for 11 to 20 copies, and just $10 each for 21 copies or more. Calendars include an envelope for mailing or presentation.
“Promote yourself and your business/organization, use as a fundraiser, or as a thank you or Christmas gift for clients, customers, family and friends,” Paterson said.
“I tried to think of everything to make this the perfect way for purchasers to buy in modest quantities and, by promoting themselves, promote the Cowichan Valley,” he says. “Even if groups, say a church, buy them for themselves they save 40-50 per cent of the $20 retail price.”
You can order your calendars online at cowichanchronicles.com/calendar or order by email from firgrove@telus.net. You can pay by cash, cheque or e-transfer.
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Rocky Creek Winery in Cowichan Bay is helping to raise funds for multiple sclerosis this holiday season.
Savour: A Culinary Festival combines celebration, cuisine, and cause to give you a meaningful dining experience this holiday season, say organizers.
From now until Dec. 25, participating restaurants like Rocky Creek Winery will be donating a portion of your purchase to help support Canadians living with MS.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS, with one in 400.
For more information, or to make a donation for the please visit SavourFestival.ca
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Westholme Tea Company is holding their annual open house from Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4.
“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community who continues to support our dream of creating a home for tea cultures in Cowichan,” said Westholme Tea in a press release.
“This is a great opportunity to bring a friend and share the warmth of the season inspired by tea traditions world-wide. Share the space with tea lovers of all backgrounds and ages as you sample teas and delectable sweets!”
There will be some new offerings this year, organizers said, including genuine Cowichan knit tea cozies, a special reserve of Westholme’s farm-grown tea, as well as newly imported rare teas. This will be alongside their collection of more than 150 organic loose teas from around the world.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
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In Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce news, nominations are now open for the business organization’s Black Tie Awards, Cowichan’s premiere awards celebration that recognizes excellence in business and volunteerism.
Black Tie features nine award categories, including Customer Service, Volunteer of the Year, Non-Profit Organization, Art In Business, Green Business and Young Entrepreneur, and three Business Achievement categories.
Nominations are submitted by the general public.
Individuals, businesses and organizations across the Cowichan Valley Regional District are eligible.
Make your nomination today at blacktieawards.com