CURATOR'S CORNER: Burnaby Village has lots to see and do during the holiday week
It’s that lazy time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when everyone is living on leftover turkey and perhaps venturing out for Boxing Week sales.
For families looking to take advantage of free activities before the kids return to school, there are displays and entertainment on offer at the Burnaby Village Museum, a 10-acre heritage village located in Deer Lake Park. A wide range of entertainers are scheduled, including clowns, magicians, puppets, and storytellers. Seasonal crafts are offered daily, and families can participate in the popular Taste of Christmas scavenger hunt, featuring clues about favorite holiday treats.
On the main street of the Village, visitors can see demonstrations at the blacksmith shop and print shop, and step inside the many homes and businesses to learn about the history of Burnaby, as well as holiday traditions from the past.
Rides on the vintage 1912 C.W. Parker carousel are always popular, and the carousel pavilion also features interactive computer kiosks where visitors can create an e-postcard to remember their visit, and touch-screens where they can learn more about the history of the hand-carved horses that are featured on the century-old carousel.
At the stately “Elworth” home, it’s New Year’s Eve 1930s style, with a display of 1930s formal wear courtesy of the Canadiana Costume Society. Silk and satin gowns, tuxedos, and sparkling accessories speak to the influence of Hollywood glamour on fashions of that decade.
The Christmas light display is still on, with over 24,000 lights, including a huge illuminated sequoia tree just outside the building that houses the carousel. New this year is a display of lighted eco-sculptures, larger than life animals adorned with holiday-inspired lights and decorative details designed by artists.
Schedules for the live entertainment are available at www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca. Gate admission to the museum is free, and rides on the 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel are $2.30. The museum is open daily, noon to 9 p.m. until Jan. 4.
• Lisa Codd is the curator at the Burnaby Village Museum.
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