Santa Claus will be making an appearance in the Royal City on the weekend – and picking up some letters from local youngsters while he’s in town.
The City of New Westminster is putting on this year’s Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. on Columbia Street. Canada Post letter carriers will be walking the parade route to collect letters addressed to Santa at the North Pole.
Following the parade, spectators are invited to participate in a number of family-friendly activities taking place in the downtown.
The New Westminster Arts Council will be offering a children’s snowflake workshop in Hyack Square from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (before and after the parade) and Fraser River Discovery Centre will be holding a Merry Fishmas event from noon to 4 p.m. Free photos with Santa will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Shops at New West.
River Market will be a full of festive fun, as the Royal City Farmers Market is having its holiday edition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and an interactive Christmas craft market takes place from noon to 3 p.m.
People who drop by the Royal City Farmers Market will be able to enjoy a fresh cup of free hot apple cider – and watch it be pressed before their very eyes.
“RCFM and River Market wanted to find a special way to take part in a day which already has such fantastic activities planned in downtown New West,” said Melissa Maltais, the farmers’ market’s new operations manager. “An apple press activity using delicious Okanagan apples is a way for us to highlight local food while participating in the downtown festivities.”
The farmers’ market also features a chicken coop demo, and more than 40 vendors (including a special crafters market) at River Market.
Paws for a pic with Santa Claus
Van Pet is making sure that our four-legged friends (and other critters) get to meet Santa Claus.
Santa is coming to Van Pet on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. People are invited to drop by with their pets and get a photo of them with Santa.
A $100 gift basket and two $30 gift certificates are also up for grabs. A $10 donation is suggested, with all proceeds going to the Royal City Humane Society.
For more information, call 604-524-6447. Royal Square mall is located at Eighth Avenue and McBride Boulevard.
Kidsport helps families get active
Kidsport New West is celebrating one year of keeping kids off the sidelines by offering up to $200 per child to families to register in sports.
In one year of offering grants to children and youth in New Westminster, Kidsport New West gave $19,377 to 114 total applicants – money that helps keep kids in sports and get new ones involved.
“I am so proud of the committee and the community,” said Sandon Fraser,chair of Kidsport New West. “We have a group of dedicated committee members who see the benefit of sports for all kids and have had overwhelming support from businesses and community members.”
Aside from the cost of promotional materials, all money raised goes directly to kids in New Westminster.
“The committee is completely volunteer run and we look to businesses and organizations in New Westminster for support as we need it,” co-chair Jorden Foss said in a press release. “I think this contributes to the success we have had. When people in the community learn that almost all of the money raised goes directly back to kids in New Westminster, they are quick to support the cause.”
Kidsport New West has also created a newsletter that features milestones and testimonials. See www.kidsportnewwest.ca.
“Every child should have the opportunity to score the big goal, or tell their classmates about the game they played on the weekend,” Fraser said, “and we want to thank the sports organizations, businesses and community members who have helped to make this possible.”
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