Savona Christmas light-up
Savona is all lit up for the holidays, and you can vote for your favourite light display from now until Dec. 20. Simply make a note of your choice (street address) and drop your vote in the drop-box at Miller’s Store.
Christmas concert
Members of the Vancouver Korean Full Gospel Church will be at the Cross Roads Pentecostal Assembly (1535 Stage Road, Cache Creek) for a dinner and Christmas concert starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. All are invited to take part in dinner at 5 p.m., followed by a service and concert. Raffle prizes will also be available.
Christmas singalong
The Shine On singers, with some special guests, will be holding a holiday/Christmas singalong for children and families from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Ashcroft HUB (social room). Admission is $2 per person, and donations of non-perishable food items for the food bank are always welcome and appreciated. There will be cookies and hot chocolate, and anyone who is interested in performing can contact Theresa Takacs at (250) 682-3232.
Christmas sale
The B.O.S.S. Enrichment Centre in Ashcroft (209 Railway Avenue beside Central Cafe) is holding its final event of the year from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22: a $6 Sunday Sale featuring some awesome local vendors including Pens by Evelyn, Jams by Heather, and the Ashcroft Print Shop.
It’s a great chance to support local businesses and get some last minute stocking stuffers and gifts. There will also be a free raffle, so be sure to come down and take a look at what’s on offer.
Christmas Eve in Spences Bridge
A special Christmas Eve communion service will be taking place at the former school building in Spences Bridge on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 3 p.m., and all are welcome to attend. After the service there will be a turkey dinner for anyone who wants to take part, whether they attended the service or not, but organizers would like to know how many plan to attend, so they know how many to prepare dinner for.
If you are interested in going to the dinner, call Paulet (778) 220-6876, Gail (778) 253-6144, Dixie (778) 253-0125, or Carol (250) 458-2236 by Friday, Dec. 20.
Christmas Eve in Ashcroft
All are invited to a Christmas Eve communion service at St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Ashcroft on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. There will be no service on Sunday, Dec. 29, but at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5 celebrate the Epiphany of Christ at St. Alban’s.
Give the gift of film
Looking for a unique gift item? The Kamloops Film Society (KFS) has gift certificates available for purchase at the Paramount Theatre on Victoria Street in Kamloops. They come in denominations of $25 each, and can be used to purchase movie tickets, popcorn, drinks, and candy; they can even be used towards private rental of the Paramount, to screen the film of your choice.
And if you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, the KFS is screening several holiday classics at the Paramount, including Love, Actually (6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20) and It’s a Wonderful Life (2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21). For a full line-up of films, and more information, go to www.thekfs.ca.
Christmas break at Drylands Arena
There will be free public skating at Drylands Arena in Ashcroft over Christmas break, so get ready to burn off some of those holiday calories. Free skating sessions will be held from noon to 3 p.m. (Dec. 21, Dec. 22, and Dec. 29) and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Dec. 23, Dec. 27, and Dec. 30).
Sticks and pucks sessions will take place at the arena from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 21 and from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29. The cost is $3 per session.
Regular arena scheduling resumes on Thursday, Jan. 2. Please note that in the event of snowfall or other emergencies, these times may be cancelled.
Loon Lake membership renewal
It’s that time of year again! If you’re a member of the Loon Lake Community Recreational and Agricultural Society, it’s time to renew your membership for the upcoming year, and if you do so before Dec. 31 you’ll be entered in an early bird draw. You could win a free membership, a gift certificate to Loon Lake’s Hook, Wine and Sinker store, or a copy of the Loon Lake 2025 Community Photo Calendar.
Annual dues are $20 (one person) or $40 (family), and membership is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025. To renew, or become a member, send an e-transfer to loonlakepurchases@gmail.com (please note “membership dues” and give your Loon Lake address), pay by cheque (payable to LLCRAS; mail to 1705 Loon Lake Road, Cache Creek, B.C. V0K 1H1), or pay online at https://bit.ly/3VHTCQF.
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with music, food, and more at one of several events in the area taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
In Clinton, the Cut-Off Valley New Year’s Eve Rendezvous is taking place at the Clinton Memorial Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., and live music, featuring the Pines Musicians, will follow. Tickets for this 19+ event are $50 each; text Dianne at (250) 954-9446 or email stay@clintonpines.ca.
A New Year’s Dance in Spences Bridge, featuring DJ StarBabies with Sanatra, will be taking place at Clemes Hall; doors open at 8 p.m. The event includes door prizes, an all-night buffet, and bubbly and noisemakers at midnight; tickets are $25 each (advance sales only), and can be purchased at The Packing House and the Spences Bridge post office.
SofaKing will be lighting up the New Year’s Eve Celebration in Lillooet, which runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Lillooet Legion. Show up and get ready to party like it’s 1999 with some classic rock and a midnight lunch. Tickets (cash only) are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and can be purchased at Rev It Up and Timber Mart in Lillooet.
Ashcroft Library book sale
The Ashcroft Library is holding its biggest book sale of the year, now through Jan. 4, with assorted books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines available for purchase via cash donation. Bring your own box or bag and fill it up (while quantities last). All proceeds from the sale go to support local library programs and programming.
Adult badminton
Badminton season has started again, with free drop-in sessions taking place every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Cache Creek Community Hall. Adults from throughout the region are welcome to attend; for more information call (250) 457-9164.
Nominate a deserving community member
Nominations are being accepted for British Columbia’s two highest honours: the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship.
The Order of British Columbia, the province’s top honour, celebrates outstanding achievement, excellence, or distinction that has benefited the province or elsewhere. Eligible nominees are those British Columbians (former or current residents) who have made extraordinary contributions.
The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to their local communities without seeking remuneration. This prestigious honour recognizes acts of selflessness, generosity, and contributions to the betterment of someone’s local community. Youth aged 15 to 25 and posthumous nominations are welcome.
Nominations for both honours must reach the Honours and Awards Secretariat no later than Friday, April 4, 2025 to be considered this year. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3TVHtYh (Order of British Columbia) or https://bit.ly/3SbG12O (Medal of Good Citizenship).
