Downtown Courtenay is gearing up for six weeks of winter fun and you're invited!
The first Downtown Courtenay WinterFest kicks off this weekend with a Moonlight and Magic spectacle and the entertainment and activities continues every weekend right through till Christmas. It's a showcase of all that downtown Courtenay has to offer and an invitation to residents and visitors to rediscover, explore and experience their downtown.
Events will be presented by many different organizations, cultural groups and businesses. Visitors will discover activities ranging from art and craft shows, the Farmers' Market and theatre events to performances by local choirs, musicians and dance troupes.
Downtown will be host to a big Christmas parade, Walk the Windows Contest, charity fundraisers, fiddlers, busking for the cause, live music events, craft fairs, stilters, kids' colouring contest, magicians, fire dancers and much more.
Moonlight and Magic (Nov. 16 and 17) kicks off WinterFest with a bang and a big celebration of lights, sparkle, magic, fire and some of the best shopping specials of the year.
Nov. 16
Vesta Fire Entertainment, an exciting professional community circus who bring circus, magic, dance, costumes and fire to their incredible performances, will perform a special family show at 6 p.m. in the lot at Fifth and England. The show goes ahead rain or clear (only blowing wind can stop a fire performance).
Other Friday eve street performers include Blaine Dunaway, Annie Becker, Lots of Laughs and Magical Faces. Kids can stop by the WinterFest Hub at Fifth and England for a free fire-inspired craft activity for all ages between 4:30 and 8. Don't miss Walk the Windows and be sure to enter to win a giant shopping spree in downtown Courtenay.
Other great Friday events — Blaine Dunaway plays Zocalo at 7:30 and the Comox Valley Art Gallery's annual Christmas Craft Fair grand opening runs from 10 a.m. till 8 p.m.
Nov. 17
Special guest street magician Greg Ladret performs at 11 and noon (CVAG plaza) and 1 and 2 (Scotia plaza). Street performers include Hula Hoopla, Luke Orland O'Hearn, Blaine Dunaway. Kids' eco-craft activities from 11 till 3 at the WinterFest hub.
Comox Valley Farmers' Market at the Native Sons Hall from 9 to noon. Elasmosaur anniversary party at the Courtenay Museum from 11 till 4. Fiesta Fair Trade Bazaar at the Filberg Centre. Live Music 3 to 5 at Union Street Grill. The Barra MacNeils' Christmas Live! at the Sid at 7:30. Black Swan Fiddlers at Zocalo at 7:30.
Nov. 18
Sid Williams Theatre Society presents David Myles at 7:30 p.m. Fiesta Fair Trade Bazaar at the Filberg Centre. Daniel Lapp with Caravan Live at the Elks Hall.
For details on each weekend's programming, become a fan of Downtown Courtenay WinterFest on Facebook.
— Downtown Courtenay WinterFest