Winterfest Celebrations start Friday in Prince Rupert

Winterfest celebrations get underway Friday night at the Prince Rupert Court House

The countdown to the holiday season starts tomorrow night as the Prince Rupert Special Events Society kicks off their 21st Annual Winterfest celebrations in the city.

With events Friday night, all day Saturday and a wrap up on Sunday, the three days of the first weekend of December should get everyone in the festive spirit.

The 2016 version of the festival starts Friday evening with the Festival of Lights at the Prince Rupert Court House Lawn, taking place from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, the evening features the official turning on of the lights at the Court House along with some musical entertainment and Free Refreshments.

The evening also marks the start of the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign.

The wrap for the first evening of Winterfest will take those who have tickets off to the Lester Centre for Night number two of the CHSS production of the Little Mermaid.

Saturday offers up a busy schedule for the community with a number of activities taking place from 10 AM through until the fireworks display over Prince Rupert harbour at 8:15.

10 AM- 5 PM -- Christmas Craft and Gift Fair -- Civic Centre Auditorium

11 AM  -- Santa Claus Parade along Third Avenue West from 1st Street to 8th Street

11:30 AM -- Hot Chocolate after the parade and a visit from Santa at Save On Foods

1 - 3 PM -- Photos and Movie with Santa at the Port Interpretive Centre at Cow Bay, donations of cash or food for the Food Bank

2 PM -- CHSS Musical The Little Mermaid, Lester Centre (tickets required)

6:30 - 8 PM -- 35th Annual Christmas Carol Boats Sail Past -- Prince Rupert Harbour, Waterfront Bonfire, Music and Free Refreshments at Rotary Waterfront Park.

8:15 PM -- Fire Works Display over Prince Rupert Harbour (weather permitting)

Other events on Saturday include a pancake breakfast, as well as free swimming and skating at the City's recreational facilities.

Winterfest comes to a close on Sunday with an event at the First United Church, with a dramatic reading of "A Christmas Carol" set for the church at 2 PM, the event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, admission is by donation.

The full program of events can be found below (click to expand):

(All photos courtesy of the Prince Rupert Special Events Facebook page)

You can find out more about the events of the weekend from the Prince Rupert Special Events website and Facebook page.

To find out more information or to offer up your assistance as a volunteer to the Special Events Society contact them at 250-624-9118 or stop by their office in the lower level of City Hall on the water fountain side of the building.

More items related to Community events on the North Coast see our North Coast Notes Archive.