The Dickens Village Festival Committee has been out decorating with the help of local high school youth. With the event coming soon the committee is excited to be bringing new excitement to the festivities held during the first weekend in December.
Every year the Festival hosts a parade on both the Friday and Saturday evenings of the event. It has been celebrated in the past, but has slowly lost floats over the years. As a way to encourage more participation in the celebration the Dickens Committee has now implemented Scrooge Cash, something event chair Shelley Slykhuis is very excited about.
"With the parade we're actually going to have prize money this year!" Slykhuis exclaimed. "First, second, and third place we're going to use Scrooge Cash. We actually have it both nights so if a float is really nice they could make $300 one weekend."
First place will receive $150, second place will earn $100, and third place will be given $50. Winners will receive their earnings after the parade from Fezziwigs Pub held in Memorial Hall.
Another new feature this year includes three markets. Last year one of the three was held at the Happy Gang Club, but feedback from those who attended Dickens was negative as the location was considered too far away from the other happenings.
This year all three of the markets have been established along Main Street. The Victorian Market will be held next to Sears, the English Market is going to be located at the CYC offices in the foyer, and Ye Olde Pearl Market will be hosted beside Cut N' Curl.
"English Markets, we have at least 20 and even a few new ones," Slykhuis said.
A brand new feature this year includes the Paint and Palette group coming forward to host a show and sale of local art in the library, which is a nice addition as people travelling from High Tea at the United Church will be able to stop at the library on their way back to Main Street. Organizers of Dickens are excited to welcome the addition as it is always important for them to grow the destination event.
Another change comes with the addition of an apartment/condo category within the town decorating competition.
"last year the judges noticed some really nice apartments decorated, but it didn't fit under any of the themes," Slykhuis stated. Thus, this year the new category within the decoration competition will allow more people within the community to fully partake in festivities.
Judging this year will be held on Dec. 4 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., so remember to turn on your lights.
Santa photos, usually taken the week after Dickens Festival, will now be held during children's activities at Fezziwigs. All that is asked from those interested in having a photo taken with Santa, is either a non-perishable food item or monetary donation towards the Food Bank.
Other activities for youth held during this time includes a reading of A Christmas Carol by Diane Tweitmeyer and Barb Haddow, followed by magician and balloon animal artist Patrick Roth, and Ye Olde Talent Show which welcomes people with a special talent to perform with a chance to win a gift certificate to King's Department Store.
Last year the Town Crier, a new costume, worn by David Slykhuis during the day was a great success; but, because David is Carlyle's resident Ebenezer Scrooge new characters this year will be implemented.
"We have two new costumes, there will be town ambassadors," Shelley explained. "David was the Town Crier last year, but because he's busy with Scrooge and helps me with the Chowder Shack we have new costumes being made currently and they're going to be our ambassador couple."
Overall planning for Dickens is coming along quite smoothly and with the dedication of old groups as well as new ones it is bound to be the most exhilarating Dickens yet.
