The week ahead is a great time to take a breather and focus on things a little closer to home. For me, Christmas is the one time of year where traffic, appointments and errands can finally take a back seat to board games, jigsaw puzzles and long overdue visits.
Once the yuletide traditions have passed, it’s a time for reflecting on the year past and looking forward to the year to come. And if you’re left wondering how 2012 slipped by so quickly, make the most of it by attending the events scheduled for the few remaining boxes on your calendar:
Tonight, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre for Christmas Reflections featuring guest performer Alan Corbishley.
Enjoy readings from Charles Dickens, Dylan Thomas and more, complimenting the carols and arias throughout the program.
The evening also marks the inaugural performance of the Okanagan Symphony Youth Chorus made up of young singers from throughout the valley.
The music starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are still available online at www.ticketseller.ca, or at the door within one hour before showtime.
Don’t miss your chance to see Caravan Farm Theatre’s winter sleigh ride show playing now through Dec. 31.
Be swept across the scenic acres of Caravan Farm with scenes of Old Nick by Michael Rinaldi and TJ Dawe in this unique Okanagan experience.
Tickets are very limited for the remaining performances so log on to www.ticketseller.ca or call 549-SHOW (7469) for more information and to find out what’s available.
The last events of the year at the Performing Arts Centre are the Banff Mountain Film Festival screenings on Dec. 29 and 30. Each film screening features award winning selections from over 300 films entered in the annual festival, including some of the greatest outdoor adventure films of the year.
These adrenaline filled evenings are also a fundraiser for Vernon Search and Rescue and showtime is at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).
And you can ring in the New Year Komasket style at the New Year’s Eve Dance Party at the Vernon Recreation Centre.
Headlining the event are Samsara, Wassabi Duo, Timothy Wisdom and more. This all-ages dance party also features art and food vendors, a silent auction, and a distinctive Komasket atmosphere.
The music starts at 8 p.m. and tickets must be purchased in advance through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469), or online at www.ticketseller.ca, or visit the Bean Scene.
Wishing you and yours a joyful Christmas and best wishes for 2013. Enjoy the shows!
–– Brian van Wensem is the audience coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
