The weather this week had me begrudgingly scraping my windshield for the first time this season. Even though I still see my part-mermaid neighbour do her daily swim, it is time to admit winter has arrived. Luckily, that means it’s the holiday season in our little corner of the world and Halfmoon Bay knows how to show up.
It was another successful year for the ever-fun Halfmoon Bay School Fair held on Friday at the school with 24 vendors, 35 “kidpreneurs” and more than 300 attendees. They collected donations on behalf of the Halfmoon Bay-Chatelech Community School Association to support the breakfast program. The market this year included family portraits by our very own CBR Photography and several local food vendors. This annual free community event is in its third year and just continues to grow. Thank you to Chantel McCulloch who put so much time and energy into this event and the SCCU for their support.
I was thrilled to see the impressive light displays out in “Eurekaville” and did my own self-guided tour thanks to the information I received from some local Facebook groups. I spoke to Kristy Lewis, who with her husband Jason Pigeon, have been putting out an ever-expanding display on Eureka Place. They started with one inflatable in 2019 and have been growing their collection since. Limited not by the Christmas spirit, only by available outlets she says their goal is to help kids in the neighbourhood build core memories of a magical Christmas close to home.
The Laberge Lightshow, the Halfmoon Bay Final Boss of Christmas Lights, is in full swing again this year with more than 50,000 lights and the iconic sugar plum salmon on display. They are collecting for the local food bank so please, if you are able, bring a donation when you come to see this impressive feat of lights and creative ingenuity.
This Saturday we will be lucky enough to witness the fifth annual Christmas Sail Pass if the weather cooperates so keep those fingers crossed for clear skies. A uniquely Coastal holiday experience, we hope to see the decorated and lit boats cruise by Coopers Green as they depart Merry Island around 4 p.m. It is recommended to show up early and gather with other onlookers and neighbors ahead. The hall will be open, and you can enjoy hot apple cider by the fire generously provided by the Halfmoon Bay Community Association.
The Jam at Coopers Green, which was written up beautifully last week by the incomparable Linda McMahon, is going strong. This event is running every Saturday down at Coopers Green Hall starting at 7 p.m. with all welcome to watch or participate. A true community creative meld.
As a first responder I couldn’t end this week’s column without a few notes on seasonal safety. It is chimney fire season around here so please make sure if you are burning wood that your chimney has been cleared and maintained, you’re not using any accelerants and you’re never leaving your fire unattended.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any upcoming events to be featured or want to connect about all things happening in Halfmoon Bay.
