The holiday season is upon us and as carols run loops in grocery stores and men with white beards get bombarded with gift requests, Bowen is gearing up for a month chockfull of cheer.
The festivities start this weekend.
Friday November 23
Kids lantern-making workshop for the Light Up Bowen lantern parade the following weekend. It runs between 3 and 6 p.m. It’s $15 a child and only a few spots remain. Register at Bowencommunityrecreation.com.
It’s a Wrap - Annual Exhibit & Sale reception at Gallery @Cove Commons. The Bowen Island Arts Council’s annual exhibit and sale of fine art, crafts, giftware, furniture, decor, jewellery, books, cards, and toys runs until December 30. Friday’s party runs between 7 and 9 p.m. with food, drink and plenty of conversation-starters.
Saturday November 24
Little Red Church Christmas Craft Fair at Collins Hall starts off Bowen’s craft sale season. It runs 11 to 4 p.m. Local crafts, goodies and treats will be for sale.
Men On the Rock Winter Concert at Tir-na-nOg Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to warm up with Bowen’s only men-only choir with winter tunes with special guest Buff Allen. Buy advance tickets at Cates Pharmacy and day-of at the door.
Sunday November 25
Legion Christmas Craft Fair at Bowen Island Legion between 11 and 4 p.m. Fifteen tables of local crafts, fun for everyone, and a concession in support of Bowen Gymnastics.
Little Red Church Christmas Craft Fair, the second day of the church’s fair runs 12 to 4 p.m. at Collins Hall featuring local crafts, goodies and treats.
Friday November 30
Sounds of Christmas has the Ladies Madrigal Singers present their annual concert at Cates Hill Chapel at 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets at Cates Pharmacy or at the door.
Saturday December 1
Light Up Bowen starts at 6 p.m. at Village Square. There will be goodies, mascots, open houses and the sugar plum ferry. The lantern parade starts at 6:25 p.m. and the live nativity at 6:40 p.m. The festival trees light up will be at 7 p.m. and the arrival of ol’ St. Nic’ by ship at 7:20 p.m., followed by a Christmas party at Doc Morgan’s. It’s Bowen with a heart truly three sizes too big.
Sunday December 2
33rd Annual CSA Christmas Craft Fair, the biggest craft fair of the season,is at Bowen Island Community School between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. It includes local crafts, a cake walk, yummy cafe, a silent auction, a raffle draw and more (including a not-to-be-missed youth craft fair until noon.)
Saturday December 8
Bowen Agricultural Alliance Winter Market and Craft Fair is at BICS between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Crafters and artisans will have sauces, jams, preserves, food, fruit leather, kale, squash, winter veggies baked goods and more.
Kids shopping day at the Nook, the Knick Knack Nook hosts a secret shopping day for kids while their parents mix and mingle outside. Volunteers will help the wee shoppers and items will kid-priced. Kids between 3 and 12 only. It runs from 12 to 2 pm.
Bowen Island Community Choir Winter Concert will present two performances, one in the afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and one in the evening at 7 p.m. at Cates Hill Chapel. This is a perennial holiday favourite directed by Ellen Macintosh with accompanist Sheilagh Sparks.
Sunday December 9
The Art of Giving at Arts Pacific Gallery in Artisan Square will have festive treats and seasonal music while you browse for the perfect gift. Plus enter win a draw for a gift of your choosing ($150 value). It runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday December 13
It's a Wrap evening shopping party at the Gallery@Cove Commons runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Put a little island art treasure under the tree.
Sunday December 16
West Coast Symphony winter concert will be by donation at BICS at 2 p.m. Sponsored by BICS.
