December 12, 2009.
Try to catch Santa's arrival, tonight, on the Lions Christmas Ship...7 p.m. at the Coast Guard dock area. This has been an annual event for several years, now, with the Santa Ship starting in Bellingham, I believe, and going to some of the San Juan Islands, and then crossing to the adjacent Southern Gulf Islands, ending up with Salt Spring Island as the final stop.
As the ship, all decorated with lights, floats down the Harbour, it plays carols and seasonal music, and also lets off fireworks. I discovered this by accident, a couple of years ago, when I left the office later than usual, and could see fireworks in a very clear sky -- it was crisp and clear, that night. I wandered down to the dock area, with a lot of other purposeful people, and had a wonderful time welcoming Santa to the Island. It's for the "kid" in all of us!
One year, it was very foggy, so couldn't see the fireworks, but this year appears to be high cloud, and it should be warmer than the past couple of days. Give yourself a treat, and be at the Harbour...Santa steps ashore at 7 p.m., goes off to the Elementary School, and also to Greenwoods and to the Lady Minto Hospital. He's busy! Wave, if you see me!
I wandered through several of our eclectic and inviting retail stores, in Ganges Village, and to Mahon Hall to take in Wintercraft, on a quest for the gift below $20. This is a benchmark in my family, now, as we give to charity, in the name of a family member, in lieu of a big gift.
(Locally, the Food Bank, Copper Kettle, SPCA, Wildlife Rescue Centre all need our help, and the Salvation Army and the B.C. Children's Hospital are two other good ideas for gifting. Several Island families have needed the specialized care of the B.C. Children's Hospital, and so, in a way, this is also a "local charity". The need is great, at this time of year....).
I found lots of great gift ideas, and you might want to consider browsing locally, too, to help support our friends and neighbours who are in business, and who rely on us as customers. Check out: Wintercraft, Frankly Scarlett, J. Mitchell Gallery, Starfish Gallery, Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Arts, West of the Moon children's store, Waterfront Gallery, Salt Spring Books, Watermark Books, Volume 2 Books, Salty Shop, Houseboat, Harlan's Chocolates, Windflower Moon metaphysical store, Salt Spring Soap Works, and don't forget gift certificates from Calvin's Bistro, from Cafe Talia, from Salt Spring Roasting Company, from T.J. Beans, from Treehouse, from Bruce's Kitchen. Lots of options to meet that "under $20" mark! Your suggestions? Always welcome!
Take a minute, too, to enjoy the lights in the Village, to catch a tea or coffee or hot chocolate at your favourite "watering hole", and to just "be".
Tomorrow is the third Sunday in Advent...it's the candle of Hope...a thought for all of us to ponder on, in these uncertain times.
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
