Old Fashioned Christmas Returns to Sherbrooke

Old Fashioned Christmas will return to Sherbrooke in December thanks to support from the St. Mary's Lions Club, Nova Scotia Power and community volunteers.

There will be a craft sale on Saturday, Nov. 22, a dinner theatre on Saturday, Nov. 29, a variety concert on Sunday, Nov. 30 and an adult dance featuring George Brothers and Ol Blue on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Although Sherbrooke Village is unable to offer its traditional weekend of activities because it will be closed for power-line upgrades, a number of related events hosted by the two organizations at the St. Mary's Lions Hall will help maintain the spirit of Christmas. Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline is returning as a sponsor.

Sherbrooke Village aims to offer a bigger and more eco-friendly Old Fashioned Christmas in the future.

"Our community partners have long been supporters of Old Fashioned Christmas, and we're grateful for their extra support to make some events possible this year," said Lynne Hayne, manager development and promotions for Sherbrooke Village. "With their help, our community will come together again to celebrate the joys of the season, from skating and hot chocolate to Santa and Christmas lights."

The Christmas tree lighting will take place as usual at Maple Manor on Friday, Dec. 5. Participants traditionally parade through Sherbrooke Village after the lighting. This year, they will parade to the St. Mary's Recplex which will be decorated with lights that normally light up the village. There will be a family skate, refreshments, a visit from Santa and fireworks.

Donations of money and non-perishable food will be collected for the St. Mary's Food Bank at the tree lighting and the Recplex.

Conserve Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Power and the St. Mary's Lions Club will collect old incandescent holiday lights. Participants can exchange two sets of old lights for one set of energy-efficient LED lights. Quantities are limited and will be provided on a first come first served basis.