In the United States, it’s Thanksgiving Day.
In Armstrong, it’s the start of Christmas festivities.
The annual Home for the Holidays – Downtown Light Up and Parade, sponsored by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 26.
“This will be an evening of fun for the whole family and it’s all free,” said Andrew Laird, president of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to the annual parade, there will also be the official light up, an opportunity to visit with Santa, road hockey and the cookie decorating booth.”
This year’s theme is a play on words, inviting everyone to Come Gnome for the Holidays.
“It is expected that many businesses will jump on board and decorate their storefronts, windows and store shelves with gnomes of all shapes and sizes,” said Laird. “Local businesses and organizations will be offering refreshments and in-store specials as well as contests and give-aways during the day leading up to the parade.”
The parade will leave the Village Cheese Co. at 6 p.m. and travel east on Pleasant Valley Road, then circle Spirit Square on Pleasant Valley Boulevard before heading back to the Village Cheese.
Santa Claus will arrive at Spirit Square via transporation provided by Caravan Farm Theatre and will flip the switch to signal the arrival of Christmas to the community about 6:30 p.m.
The evening also kicks off a weekend of holiday shopping in the community. For more information or to enter the parade, contact the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce at 250-546-8155 or e-mail manager@aschamber.com.