Diamond Valley kicks off the holiday season this weekend.
Light Up Diamond Valley takes place along Government Road and Centre Avenue in the Black Diamond community on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m.
The town will be transformed into a festive winter wonderland, said Diamond Valley communications co-ordinator Briget Lacey.
“It's a fantastic annual event that supports local businesses and encourages neighbours to connect on the streets, in the spirit of the holiday season,” Lacey said.
Participating businesses will be open late, with treats and festive surprises for residents and visitors, like s’mores and marshmallow roasting, hot drinks like apple cider and hot chocolate, food and adult beverages, Lacey said.
“We encourage locals and visitors of all ages to take the event in with their families.”
Other features include a candy cane demonstration and a live nativity scene starting at 7 p.m. at Gateway Bible Church.
Wagon rides will depart from the municipal building on Centre Avenue, and Santa will be stopping by at Fuel, located in the Sheep River Centre.
This year, there are 30 businesses taking part, nearly twice as many as last year.
“We have great participation this year,” said Monique LeBlanc, Diamond Valley community services and recreation manager.
“We’ve certainly found that we have some great sponsors, as well as the contributions from the merchants themselves."
Earlier in the day, the High Country SPCA Christmas Market is being held in the Turner Valley community from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Flare n Derrick Community Hall.
The market is High Country SPCA’s major fundraiser for the year, LeBlanc said.
“There's some great vendors that are providing a wide variety of goods, and fun goods for Christmas,” she said, including gifts for pets.
