Even though it should probably be all year, this past couple months it seems there are more opportunities to fraternize with your fellowman in many different locations around the valley. Of course, there is always the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market, which is difficult for us to get in and out of in less than three-quarters of an hour as one ends up chatting and learning all kinds of new things. I’m thinking you would have to be a pretty seasoned vet to be able to roar in there with your head down, grab your bread, cherry juice and pork chops and exit stage left without talking to anyone.
What about crafts? While the farmers’ market always has a good selection, the best place to get your craft fix are the Christmas craft fairs, of which we had a couple big ones these past weeks, one in Wynndel and, of course, the major one in the Creston Room, which, if you time it right, is reminiscent of the subway rush hour in Japan, so lots of time to chat with your neighbor — they aren’t going anywhere. It was also a pleasure to chat with some of the various artists from around the valley as they displayed their works at the Images art show at Rotacrest Hall.
Other happenings that have ramped up the amount of people considerably these past weeks have been the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce-sponsored free swim, as well as craft making in the front lobby while Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall handed out hot chocolate alongside people taking the happiness survey. Move over 20 feet and you were at our gingerbread decorating event where 100 of the little gingerpersons got garbed up in icing and candies in record time amongst the hordes of excited children. So excited in fact, that we had one unfortunate soul literally lose their cookies, and I mean in the “cleanup on aisle three” type way but that’s all part of the rich tapestry we weave at the community complex. Along with all this, we also had a novice tournament happening (these are the five- to eight-year-olds, so that means there are still lots of parents and grandparents coming out to cheer on the little gaffers), two separate parties in a couple of the meeting rooms and a huge wedding in the Creston Room. Definitely a weekend like that keeps our maintenance staff scrambling to clean up and do changeovers!
It will be another full court press this weekend as we have Christmas or small business dinner/dances at the complex, curling centre and Rotacrest Hall Thursday through Sunday, along with other regular events, which will culminate in a quick but thorough cleanup. We'll catch a quick breath then crack the doors open a few hours later on Monday morning to welcome the Christmas hamper crew of volunteers with tired but open arms.
Don’t forget our drop-in instructors in both dryland and aquatic venues are taking a well earned two-week rest Dec. 20-Jan. 4 but the pool and skating rink are open as usual. Call or come in and pick up a holiday schedule; we hope we see you sometime over the next few weeks, especially if you have visitors and want to show off the place. (Or if you have visitors and you want to get away and keep the place a secret.) If you are travelling, drive safe and the best of the season from all of us to all of you!
Neil Ostafichuk is the recreation supervisor at the Creston and District Community Complex.