Christmas magic is sure to be in the air as Chase Country Christmas kicks off today.
The streets will be closing down in the downtown area at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 to allow for the many festivities set to take place.
Chase residents are invited to gather around the town bonfire located next to Pete’s Pizza at 5:30 p.m., just in time to watch the parade go by.
Peter Murray will be on hand after the parade, offering hay rides by donation for any of those who wish to take part in the holiday tradition.
Chase minor hockey players and Chase Heat players will be taking to the street for some good ol’ street hockey at about 6:30 p.m. and will continue on until 8:30 p.m.
Check out the sales happening at the downtown stores, and be sure to by some tasty treats from the street vendors.
The events are scheduled to continue into the weekend, with Saturday beginning with a hearty pancake breakfast.
The Chase Craft Fair will begin at 10 a.m. and will have delicious baked goods, handcrafted items and more for sale. This event will continue on until 3 p.m. at the Chase Community hall, with more events taking place in the Legion basement at the same time.
Santa will be at Safety Mart for a meet-and-greet with the children of Chase from 10:30 until 11 a.m. He will return for some photographs at 1:30 and will remain until 4:30 p.m.
This will be followed by a live nativity scene just down the road at the Chase Evangelical Church. This event will run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will restart every half hour.
While in town, jump onto Peter Murray’s traditional-style hay ride for some Christmas fun, all for free.
Don’t forget to stop at Craig’s Bakery to check out the unique gingerbread houses on display.
The Christmas Store will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the area next to Out To Lunch for those who would like to find something special and support the local museum.
The Chase Heat will be out during the free skate session at the Art Holding Arena from 12:15 until 1:25 p.m. to sign autographs.
Chase Heat will be back on the ice at 7 p.m. to take on their Kamloops rivals, the Storm.
There will be on-ice entertainment between periods, a bake sale to raise money for the KIJHL team as well as a coat drive taking place.
Sunday closes down the festivities with the curling club’s Pancake Breakfast taking place from 9 a.m. until 12 at the curling rink.
To top off the weekend, a musical celebration will begin at the Chase Community Hall when the Kamloops Community Band and the Chase Secondary School band team up to raise money for the Chase Hamper Society. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and admission is by donation.