Santa’s schedule may be jam-packed at this time of year, but he’s managed to find room for another visit to Oak Bay.
Jolly ol’ St. Nick will make a stop in Estevan Village this Saturday (Dec. 10) for the annual Estevan Village Carol Sing, a free community event spearheaded by flower merchant Rob Jennings.
“It all started when we moved to this street and looked around and saw so many families, and Willows school down the street,” he said.
“I had a couple of young kids myself and I said, ‘Can we not do a sort of quieter, gentler Christmas event for the families in the neighbourhood?’ It’s been a success every year.”
The Carol Sing has an earlier start time this year, with Santa expected to arrive around 4 p.m.
The choir from St. Philip’s Anglican Church will be on hand to lead the singing, accompanied by musicians from Oak Bay High.
There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, said Jennings, but the event’s simplicity is the source of its charm.
“That’s sort of the beauty of it, is that nobody gets lost in the crowd. There’s not a lot of flash to it.
“We do a little workshop with the kids where they can make a little flower craft, and there’s usually candy canes or cookies being given out. It’s just a nice little neighbourhood get-together.”
Jennings added that Santa will be more than happy to pose for pictures with children of all ages, so visitors are encouraged to bring a camera.
The Carol Sing happens from about 4 p.m. until Santa heads off, Jennings said, but he’s expected to stick around until “at least 5.”
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