Page 23                                                                        Valley Voice November 16, 2011

Join the ever successful Christmas by the Lake in Silverton  

submitted by Penelope Stuart

The famous writer and poet Peter Rosegger stated: “Never mind what big and deathless deals you have experienced so far: to give your fellow men joy is the best that you can do in the world.”

Such is the joy that Christmas by the Lake in Silverton brings. With its brilliant lights, captivating ambiance and Christmas market, Christmas by the Lake holds a special charm for us all.

Now is the time that Christmas lights and decorations come into our everyday lives and we enjoy the warm glow of a yuletide atmosphere that puts everyone in a special frame of mind.
Despite all its demands, this time of year remains a fascination and awakens childhood longings and memories that Christmas by the Lake cannot fail to stir, while creating new and precious memories for all to enjoy.

Everyone is welcome to this magnificent event that has grown widely in popularity each year.
Come and enjoy this magical event where all the enchantment and delight of a traditional European Christmas can be experienced in the Slocan Valley December 2-4 on Friday (4-8 pm), Saturday (10 am-6 pm) and Sunday (11 am-3 pm).

This will be the fifth year of this wonderful event in Silverton, that will offer many attractions for the young and old alike. As in previous years, the Christmas Village, with its sparkling, festive lights and busy booths, is set before the historic Silverton Gallery where visitors will be fascinated to watch demonstrations of various traditional crafts such as glass blowing and blacksmithing.
Once again the celebrated sculptors, Peter Vogelaar and David Ducharme of Winlaw, will be creating beautiful ice sculptures and the legendary, exciting ice slide – so popular and enchanting for children.
Luc Vreys will also be returning to carve in wood, offering the opportunity to win his eagle sculpture in the raffle (so make sure you buy a ticket).

Along with bannock and roasted chestnuts, there will be many delicious traditional culinary delights on sale including gluehwein, brats with sauerkraut, soups, crêpes and more.
Within the gallery there will be over 30 vendors from as far away as Revelstoke, Sicamous, Rossland and Boswell selling quality, handcrafted gifts and artifacts.
Adding to the attractions is a superb variety of live, quality entertainment offered on all three days of the event.
The extensive program includes a fire dance performed by Illuminadis, choirs such as the Lucerne School Choir, Village Voices and Matthew Fry’s Company and a number of visiting bands and class musicians including Heavy Shtetl, Caelen Starblanket LaRocque, Leah Main and Micheal Dorsey, Slocan Valley Community Band and Slocan Arrow Community Ensemble.

Children’s events include a Christmas card and decorating workshop and a kids’ contest. Father Christmas and the Grinch will also be visiting to join in all the fun of the faire.

“I am delighted with the development of this traditional Christmas market that has grown significantly in popularity since its inauguration, thanks to the tremendous hard work and dedication of the Silverton Community Club and the support of the local population,” said Armand Lange, whose vision and experience of grand German Christmas markets inspired him to initiate Christmas by the Lake.

“The response has been amazing. I receive interest for Christmas by the Lake from all over the West Kootenays. For this, the fifth year, our program is even more extensive and it a joy for all participants in Christmas by the Lake to give Canadian families and others the opportunity to experience the magic and charm of a European Christmas Faire.”

The Silverton Community Club will offer a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting atmosphere of an Old Fashioned Traditional European Christmas in Canada.

Amidst the spectacular mountains and lake of the Slocan Valley you are invited to join their fifth Christmas by the Lake 2011. All entertainment and admission is free. Visit christmasbythelake.ca for further details.

Page 24                                     Community                                Valley Voice November 16, 2011

Large crowds come out for Silverton’s annual Christmas by the Lake. See story, page 23