With the snows of winter upon us, the community of Wawota is warming up the season with their second annual Wawota Winter Festival.
The one day event was first introduced last year with rave reviews.
"We had a really good turn out and a whole lot of community support for it," said Shannon Houff, one of the organizers of the event. "This year we're hoping to make an even bigger impression with a great afternoon and evening."
The Wawota Winter Festival is a family-friendly affair, which includes events that will keep everyone happy.
There are kids events, tobogganing hills, and craft activities.
Kicking off right after school is let out for the day, the events will mostly be focused in and around town hall on Friday, Dec. 10.
The other venue of interest will be Wawota Parkland School, where puppet shows for the wee-ones will be held between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Besides the sledding and crafts, there will also be a 'Secret Santa,' event, as well as a visit and picture with the big man himself, Santa Claus, at 5 p.m.
The Santa photos are provided thanks to the generous support of Conexus Credit Union.
Once everyone has had a chance to run about and get into the spirit of the season, a free dinner will be provided by the Wawota Parkland School Community Council (SCC) and the Wawota Business Association.
Hot dogs and drinks will be served to the children at no charge.
As the evening wears on, the next event will be a live Christmas tree auction.
Held as a fundraiser, last year the Christmas tree auction brought in more than $1,700 for community development projects.
"We would like everyone to know that we are holding the Christmas tree auction again this year," Houff said. "The money you spend on a tree is tax-deductible, so come on out and place a bid for one of the beautifully dressed Christmas trees that have been donated for this year's event."
In the latter part of the evening, a special concert will be held, featuring award-winning country music singer Aaron Pritchett.
Pritchett, who released his latest album, 'In the Driver's Seat,' earlier this year, will be doing a show in the Parkland School auditorium at 7 p.m. that evening.
Tickets for the event can be secured through the school at a cost of $25 for adults and $10 for students.
Details about Pritchett and his music can be found on his webpage at www.aaron-pritchett.com
