Welcome to December and what will hopefully be a safe and festive season for everyone.
I know my social agenda is probably fuller than what I am capable of grasping at the moment. Prince George provides its residents so many opportunities to participate in charitable and community-building events and activities, especially at this time of year. There are a plethora of these happening , ranging from the Festival of Trees in support of the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, through to the very utilitarian Operation Red Nose designated driving service provided by the Nechako Rotary Club. These, along with many corporate and social holiday celebrations, can leave one feeling quite full, but don't forget there are some great arts and cultural events happening throughout the season, including these highlights for the coming days.
Starting Friday, the Nechako Community Theatrics Society will be presenting Guns, Angels and Thespians: An Evening with Devon Flynn featuring three plays written by this local playwright. The society is a community-based theatre company and will be presenting an oeuvre that has characters ranging from a bank robber through to new arrivals in purgatory. The show is at Art Space at 1685 3rd Ave. (upstairs) on December 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are sold at Books and Company.
And speaking of theatre, don't forget to book your tickets for Theatre NorthWest's production of Alice in Wonderland which has only a few shows left in its run. This live stage adaptation of Lewis Carroll's series of books closes on Dec. 7. I have tickets for Friday night and can hardly wait to see Jack Grinhaus's unique production. For more information on purchasing tickets please visit theatrenorthwest.com.
For the discerning holiday shopper, Two Rivers Gallery will be hosting the ninth annual Artisans' Fair in the Rustad Galleria on Saturday, December 3rd. The fair features professional local artisans selling works directly from their studios and workshops. The event is free to the public and runs from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m.
Film lovers should check out the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Film Festival hosted by AimHi on Saturday. Presented by Inclusion BC and the BC Self Advocacy Foundation, the festival features seven short films from the Sprout Film Festival. There are two showings, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the event will take place at the AimHi Auditorium at 950 Kerry St. Admission is by donation at the door.
And to conclude a perfect, albeit busy, winter Saturday, the Bel Canto Choirs will be performing a Celebrate Winter concert at 7 pm at First Baptist Church at 483 Gillett St. With a delightful program of winter-themed songs, audiences will surely get into the swing of the season. Tickets are available at Studio 2880.
Lastly, and while still a couple of weeks away, you may want to clear your schedule for the PGSO's upcoming performance of Handel's Messiah on Dec. 17 at 7:30 pm, at Vanier Hall. Directed by visiting guest conductor Michael Newnham, this perennial favourite is the perfect blend of high art and a festive holiday experience. Tickets are available at Northern Interior Tickets at 3540 Opie Cres. or by phone at 250-596-0020.
I wish everyone a great first week of December. Feel free to stop by our Studio 2880 Artisan Gift Shoppe on 15th Avenue as we have some beautiful new items created by some of the region's top artists and artisans for sale for the Christmas season. Hope to see you there!
