Nelson gears up for the arrival of Santa Claus December 6!
By Nelson Daily Staff
Santa is coming back to Nelson.
And he’s bringing a few friends for the Elf Walk, building on the success of last year’s event, which saw over 1000 people make their way to Baker Street on a cold November night.
The date is Friday, December 6.
Inspired by the flash mob movement, which involves people assembling in a designated area for a spontaneous act of performance art, Elf Walk invites Nelson to embrace their inner Elves and dress up for the evening’s festivities.
“Last year’s Elf Walk was a total shock,” said event coordinator Joy Barrett.
“Previous years attendance for Santa’s visit and tree lighting ceremony would see a few hundred people coming out. So when over 1000 people jammed into the 400 block of Baker last year, we knew we’d hit on something. It’s pretty clear that Nelson likes getting dressed up.”
Elf Walk was born out of a series of meetings held by the group that initiated a campaign to step up Nelson’s holiday lighting plan for 2012.
Last year, the city approved the allocation from the Spurway Trust Fund to wrap light posts and beef up the two big trees on the 400 Block, but this year with additional funds from the same fund, they’re taking it to the next level, running lights along the Baker Street skyline with the help of dozens of volunteers, and the Nelson Fire Department.
Of course, the Elf Walk is just the precursor to Mr. Saint Nick himself, who will once again ride into town with the Nelson Fire Department, and march him up for the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Afterwards, Santa make his way to the Trading Company to meet the kids while grown-up elves enjoy some music, lights and each other’s company.
“We know that the children from all over look forward to coming down town to see Santa light up the tree and meet the jolly old fellow,” said the Nelson Business Association event co-coordinator and The Nelson Daily Advertising Manager John McCuaig.
The Nelson Daily is the main sponsor of Santa Claus this year.
“The Nelson Business Association looks forward to getting in touch with Santa through our special contacts, and making sure he has time to stop by our community.” It is exciting to see this event grow into a bigger winter festival with something for everyone.
Elves are invited to head down to Baker Street starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 6.
The Rotary Club will be serving up sausages, burgers and hotdogs, there will be hot chocolate and cider, a best dressed Elf contest for the younger Elves, and the winner for the Nelson Star colouring contest will be announced.
Then, shortly after 6 pm., the Elves will gather to parade down Baker to meet Santa, who will once again ride into town with the Nelson Fire Department, and march him up for the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
For up-to-date information on the event and essential Elf Tips, check out the Elf Walk Facebook page.
The evening is being sponsored by the Festival of Lights committee, the Nelson Business Association, with the generous support of the City of Nelson, Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, The Nelson Daily, The Nelson Star, and Mountain FM/103.5 The Bridge.
