Cache Creek residents and business owners are being urged to decorate their homes and businesses for the Christmas season, in advance of the annual Winter Lights event, an initiative sponsored by the Cache Creek Beautification Society (CCBS) in partnership with the Village of Cache Creek activities program.
“We like to encourage the ongoing efforts of businesses and residents at decorating their places,” says CCBS president Carmen Ranta. “It’s about celebrating the efforts people go to. We want people to know this is what we do as a community.
“It’s not about making money; it’s about the effort. We want to promote the continuation of decorating in Cache Creek.”
There is no judging. Instead, members of the public are asked to note houses and businesses that are decorated for the season, and call Ranta with the address of the property (as well as the name and phone number of the owner, if possible, so that they can be notified of the nomination).
She adds that it isn’t necessarily about the place with the biggest and brightest display. Nominations can be made up until December 8, with a draw for the winner being held at the community gathering in the Cache Creek community hall on December 10.
“All the nominees go into a draw, with a prize of a really lovely Christmas decoration worth about $100,” says Ranta. “But you have to be there to win; we just keep drawing until someone wins.”
The gathering starts at 7 p.m., and there is no charge for admission. There will be complimentary food and drink and Christmas treats, including candy canes for the children, as well as a full complement of entertainment. This includes a Christmas carol singalong; guitar playing and singing by Theresa Takacs; a duo of Wendy Coomber on recorder and Kirk Watson on guitar; a performance by local students under the guidance of teacher Dave Dumont; and a couple of other surprises.
Theresa Takacs (pictured above) will return to entertain at this year's Winter Lights gathering. Photo by Wendy Coomber.
And the event would not be complete without a performance by the Desert Bells handbell choir, which this year is excited to be introducing their new set of three-octave handchimes, which were only acquired three weeks ago.
“It’s our first performance with them,” says Ranta, the choir’s director. “They sound beautiful, and are very different to handbells. We have a couple of pieces that will introduce them.”
The set of handchimes, which was acquired from the United States, cost just under Cdn$4,000, and Ranta says the money was raised through fundraising, community donations, the memorial bell program, and ongoing support from community residents and businesses. “It’s really exciting to have these.”
Ranta says that the Winter Lights nominating period is “a bit of a rush”, as many people do not put their decorations up until December 1. However, she adds that a lot of places have already decorated. “It’s looking great.
“And it’s a really warm community gathering, open to people of any religion. We all have fun together.”
To nominate a residence or business for the Winter Lights draw, call Ranta at (250) 457-9119 or (250) 457-1250.