CARLYLEMany festivals say there is something for everyone, but let’s look at 10 reasons why the Carlyle Dickens Village Festival on Dec. 6 and 7 really does offer something for everyone.
•IThings are free and cheap? Like what? All of the entertainment at Fezzywig’s Pub is free. Various community groups provide lovely, affordable luncheons. The pancake breakfast on Dec. 7 is sponsored by Gordon Foods and prepared by the Carlyle Area Lions Club. All are free except for a donation to the local food bank. The horse-drawn carriage rides are free, as are the welcoming smiles and great conversations.
•It's family friendly. From the early-afternoon dance on Dec. 6 and the pancake breakfast with Santa, to the high-quality children’s entertainment on Dec. 7 and the pictures with Santa at the Carlyle Memorial Hall, to simply the welcoming environment of a licensed Fezzywig’s with a children’s corner, just pack up the whole family and head out for the whole time. And don’t forget the lighted parade each evening, where candy is hurled from the backs of moving vehicles.
•Fun for shoppers. From the Victorian market in two locations all afternoon Dec. 7 where people can purchase handcrafted items directly from the artists, to the special sales all weekend hosted by local businesses, you can get all your Christmas shopping (if you’re into that) done locally, while supporting friends and neighbours.
•Like to dress up? Not only do folks have the chance to sport their Victorian outfits all weekend by parading around town, you can also pop over to the Victorian tea at the United Church, and simply take your pick of special hats to wear to dress up for the occasion. Instagram your new look and make sure your friends can join in the fun, no matter where they are located.
•Love music? We are featuring a whole concert of performances in Fezzywigs, King's Department Store and all about town. Support your local artists and celebrate the talent which resides right in our backyard. We have even included an afternoon old-tyme dance on both days, local vocal groups and youth troupes and music, which runs the gamut from country to pop, and jazz to inclusive kitchen parties.
•Enjoy the theatre? Cornerstone Theatre’s version of “It’s a Wonderful Hockey Life” features amazing music, a live band and a set which is always intriguing. You might be able to find a random ticket for either the evening of Dec. 6 or 7, or the afternoon of Dec. 8, if you find Don Carter in Fezzywig’s, and see if any last-minute cancellations have taken place.
•Local Indigenous artists coming home. Thrust into the national spotlight through his acting role on North of 60, Ochapowace Nation artist Erroll Kinistino and partner Josie Linka will be joining the festival lineup alongside White Bear First Nations favourite Teagan Littlechief, whose band will liven up Fezziwig’s after the theatre production Dec. 6.
•Is great food your thing? Quirky street food is always fun at festivals and this one is no different. The White Bear School group and Sabor Mexicano will provide Fezziwig lunches on Dec. 6 and 7. Then the ever-popular clam/corn chowder shack will be serving up gallons of warming soup, and the other food vendors will be plying everything from baked potatoes to smoked turkey legs to sausages on a stick. After the vendors shut down, local Kuzina’s Restaurant and Grill will be providing food in Fezzywig’s for those who were too busy shopping or dancing to eat before 6:30 p.m. And this year, the afterparty from 9:30-11 p.m. will feature amazing bands and more great food.
•Time to slow down, reconnect and catch up. Be social instead of on social media; enjoy face-to-face time instead of FaceTime; smile at new and old friends in person instead of posting smiley faces on the Facebook posts of your Facebook friends. Christmas is a time for family, community and remembering the real things, which makes life worthwhile.
•Practise Generosity. Local service clubs are fundraising by providing services. Many events (theatre, breakfast with Santa) are collecting donations for the local food bank to help those who are just having trouble stretching a buck this winter. Local businesses are hoping to entice us into spending our dollars in our own backyards where they can continue to circulate by supporting jobs, sports teams and the like.
The Carlyle Dickens Village Festival is one where the community comes together to practise creating a connected world where we all take care of each other. And we think it really is a festival that has something to offer everyone.
