It may only be the beginning of November, but the Invermere Business Committee (IBC) is getting ready to kick off the Christmas season. We have made changes to our Christmas community events. 

Light Up and Super Sunday have been combined in one event called Valley Christmas Kickoff, which will take place on Saturday, November 21 in downtown Invermere. 

Main street will be closed to vehicular traffic at around noon on that day.   

The Santa Parade will start at 5 p.m. at Pothole Park and proceed throughout the downtown streets.  All spectators are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the local Food Bank.  Watch for the large pig on the Panorama float. This pig will accept all donations.

There will be live music by Kurt Reichel and Deb Ede of the Light Up Band, and festive celebrations after the parade which will include firepits, hot chocolate and food vendors. Many thanks again to Panorama Mountain Village for sponsoring this event. 

Any non-profit groups or organizations who would like to be involved that day are asked to call IBC Chair Paul Christy at 250-342-2515.

Retails will be providing wonderful savings throughout the whole weekend to assist everyone in their Christmas shopping endeavours.  Watch for a sign in their windows, indicating they are a supporter of this event. You will have the chance to enter your name at participating businesses, and the lucky winner could win $500 in cash vouchers to be spent at participating shops. 

Parents wanting to shop can drop off their children between 2 to 5 p.m. at the Invermere Inn as the students of the DTSS Leadership Class will be providing Christmas movies, crafts and other activities.

There is still plenty of room in the parade. To register your float, call Debbie at 250-342-2844.