Special Events Society ready to light up the town with Winterfest 2019

The weekend ahead could very well make for the largest collection of community events to be seen at the same time in years for the North Coast, with the Prince Rupert Special Events Society right in the mix with the annual Winterfest set for December 6th and 7th.

While a lot of focus is on the Hometown Hockey events ahead and broadcast from the Civic Centre on Sunday night, there will be much to take in around town in addition to those high profile activities.

The volunteer group that develops the city's four largest festivals has put together another expansive list of activities to welcome in the winter season starting with a pair of events for Friday, the first the annual Christmas Tree Decorating contest at the Rupert Square, with pre-registered children's groups coming by through the day to decorate their tree.

Friday evening of course, brings the much anticipated and always popular Lighting up of the Town, with Prince Rupert Court House lawn the focus once again for this years display of lights.

Friday night is also turned over to Christmas shoppers with many of the city's downtown merchants remaining open into the evening for your shopping adventures.

Saturday brings a full day of activities starting with Breakfast with Santa from 8 AM to 11 AM at the First United Church

Santa won't have time to linger for small talk however, as he's the featured attraction for the Santa Claus Parade down Third Avenue at 11 AM, with the Pembina Pipeline Corporation providing some popcorn to snack on during the parade's travels.

Save on Foods will be the Post Parade Party Place offering up some Hot Chocolate

Santa keeps up with a hectic day of events by stopping in at the Prince Rupert Port Authority Atlin Terminal, there for some Photos by donation for the food bank and some holiday movies at the Interpretive Centre from 1 to 3 PM.

The Civic Centre will be the focus for many activities through the day, starting with the Winterfest Craft and Gift Fair in the Gymnasium from 10 AM to 5PM, the Cosplay Contest and Creative Festival from 1 to 5 in the Auditorium, a Free Swim at the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre from 2 to 4 and Free Skating at the Jim from 12:15 to 1:30 PM

Those with plans to take in the Civic Centre events should take note of the City of Prince Rupert parking options for the facility, which has significantly reduced parking available owing to the Rogers Hometown Hockey set up.

Also taking place during the daytime, the Fire at the Wheelhouse Chili Cook Off from 4 to 8PM, the Inspiring Nature exhibit at the Museum of Northern British Columbia.

The evening features the 38th edition of the Winterfest Sailpast and Carol Boats, best viewed from Mariner's Park which will have commentary to go with the transit.

Fireworks appear over the harbour at 8 PM

And the wrap up party for Winterfest takes over at the Wheelhouse with Dixie Dead Shake

The full Winterfest Schedule can be reviewed below:

Click to enlarge

You can keep up to the Winterfest events from the Special Events Facebook page here.

CBC Daybreak North will be setting the theme for Winterfest with their annual Open House hosted at Java dot Cup, with Carolina de Ryk and Matthew Allen set to welcome a number of guests through the morning broadcast, all in aid of the Prince Rupert food bank.

Also taking place through the Winterfest period, is the annual production from Charles Hays Secondary Drama, with the cast and crew of Freaky Friday taking to the stage on Thursday and Friday evening, as well as on Saturday afternoon, with all performances at the Lester Centre.

For more notes on community events around the region see our archive page here.