Now that the pandemic has eased and restrictions are in the rear view mirror -- hopefully forever -- there's no shortage of public Christmas events popping up in the next few weeks.
And while it's fantastic news to see a return to normalcy, there's just one problem. As in the past, most of the big events are done before early December. And that leaves the days leading up to the 25th strangely empty of community gatherings.
But this year, the crew at the SS Sicamous are out to change that. From Dec. 19th to the 23rd, tucked right up close to the big day, they'll open the celebrated ship for everyone to enjoy.
Each of the five days from 10 am to 3 pm, visitors can walk the decks of the historic sternwheeler, by then fully adorned with Christmas and seasonal ornaments, and check out stuff like the wildly impressive KVR model railway on the entry deck and the museum that runs the length of the ship.
But the biggest days of all are the 20th and the 22nd, when Santa himself shows up from 10 am through 1 pm to mix and mingle and pose for pics with anyone who wants to join in.
What's more, the crew will serve up refreshments (hot chocolate, tea, coffee) for the duration of the event and baked goods (thumbprint cookies, Rice Krispie squares and more) each day Santa's on board.
All this frivolity is not free. Unless you're a member of the SS Sicamous Society or a kid under the age of five, in which case it is. Otherwise, admission is $7 per adult and $5 for youths aged six to 17. A "family rate" of $20 covers four people.
It's also important to note that the Santa photos are strictly BYOC (bring your own camera) and PFBN (paid for by donation).
Katie Pereira is the assistant manager of the SS Sicamous Society and the person behind the initiative, and she's thrilled the 108-year-old ship is once again holding events.
"We were closed for two years during the pandemic" she said. "We opened again earlier in the year, but this is our first real event.
"And the proceeds from this will go to the Society to help restore the history of marine heritage on Okanagan Lake."
According to Pereira, the Sicamous will be decorated much like it was during the highly successful "Victorian Christmas Party and Holiday Light Up" in December of 2019, which, interestingly enough, was the last full-on event it hosted before COVID.
We asked Pereira if there was any thought given to once again staging a Victorian Party, and she replied in the affirmative.
"Next year we hope to turn this back into a big one-day party in the evening," she said. "My goal for next year is to mimic 2019.
"But this year it's all about resources. And our budget.
"We've been closed for most of two years, so we're just trying to get our feet back in the door. We think this will be a lot of fun."
