Christmas comes to Aldergrove in a big way this weekend, with Santa Claus and the Light Up Aldergrove Parade down main street and Christmas light displays all over the community.
The parade of lit-up floats will slowly make their way down the street on Saturday, Dec. 10, along Fraser Highway from 272 Street to 269th Street, starting at 6 p.m. Organized by the Aldergrove Festival Days Society, the volunteer-based event features free hot chocolate stations along the parade route to keep people warm.
Children are also invited to attend the Children's Community Christmas Celebration hosted by Aldergrove Elks just before the parade begins. This free event is held at the OAP Hall, 3015 - 273 Street, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. It features free photos with Santa, Christmas stories, songs and games with "Mr. I", clown Mr. Flowers, face painting by Madam Butterfly, dancing with the Silver Diamond Country Dancers and complimentary hot dogs and beverages for the kids.
The winners of the Walter Levy Light Up Aldergrove Contest will be announced that evening too. There are three categories up for recognition, including large and small scale decorations, and a decorated door contest for children under 12. Judging takes place Dec. 7. The contest is dedicated to the late Walter Levy, a volunteer and one of the founders of the society that plans so many of Aldergrove’s annual community events.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo also unveils its fabulous “Lights Go Wild” event this week, with 280 displays and half a million lights to wander through every night from Dec. 8 to Jan. 1. From 5 to 9 p.m. nightly, except for Christmas Day, Santa Claus, entertainers and family-oriented crafts and activities will keep you entertained as you marvel at the displays put together by Stan McKay of Aldergrove. There will be animated displays and seasonal sounds, the concession will be open and the zoo’s gift table will be selling zoo memberships, passes and adoption and private viewing packages.
The zoo’s train will not be running at night and the display area is limited to the front area so as not to bother the zoo’s resident animals which sleep at night. The zoo will be open as normal during the day.
Admission to Lights Go Wild is $8 adult, $5 child, and free to zoo members. There is a discount for groups of 10 or more, and proceeds will go to B.C. Children’s Hospital, thanks to the large force of volunteers who will be working each night.
The Community Cares Food Bank Fundraiser will also be held Sat., Dec. 10, noon to 10 p.m. at Aldergrove Legion hall, 26607 Fraser Hwy. Raffle prizes, live music by Tidelander and Sweet Max, Subway sandwiches by donation, snacks, refreshments, face painting and crafts for kids and Christmas carol singing. Donations of food, clothing and cash welcomed. Info: 604-617-2227 or email communitycares@live.ca
A concert, called So This is Christmas will be presented by the Langley Community Chorus. Matinee concert Sunday Dec. 11, 3 p.m. St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church, 3025 - 264 St., Aldergrove. Info: www.langleychorus.org
In addition, Scouts and Guides from across the Fraser Valley will be enjoying breakfast with Santa at Camp McLean in south Langley this weekend. More than 830 participants will be hosted and to accommodate the large number there will be three sittings daily on both Dec. 10 and 11.