A long standing and popular pre-Christmas tradition in Vernon since 1952, the 62nd annual Rotary Christmas Carol Festival returns to the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Dec. 6 and 7.
The entertainment will be provided by more than 20 groups, including a cross section of local children’s, church and community choirs, as well musicians and vocal ensembles.
The Carol Festival enables the Rotary Club of Vernon to provide a venue for the many talented singers in the North Okanagan and to provide financial support for the annual Spring Breakout for Seniors held every March, said festival chair Stewy Stuart.
“The breakout is a free dinner and dance with entertainment and live music organized for over 500 local seniors and is very popular in the Vernon community,” said Stuart. “Through the support of generous local sponsors and volunteers from the Rotary Club of Vernon, most of the Carol Festival proceeds go directly to the Breakout for Seniors.”
Also performing at the festival will be special guest entertainer Pam Ferens, a versatile singer-songwriter who began a lifelong love affair with music as a child.
In 1983, she placed in the top two position in a national music contest. Nashville came calling in 1995, where Ferens released four songs through the Comstock label, all of which received airplay on national radio.
Now back in the Okanagan, Ferens is a director with the newly established Vernon Folk-Roots Music Society and has also released new music, including the single Just a Dance.
The Rotary Carol Festival concerts take place at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Admission is by donation.
For more information, visit the festival website at www.vernoncarolfestival.ca.
