North Bay is gearing up for its 29th annual Old Fashioned Christmas Walk tomorrow. The event sees Main Street closed to motor traffic from Sherbrooke to the parkette by the CIBC so that residents can take to the street and visit the shops and services along that stretch.
Traditionally, the Christmas Walk is the official start to buying for the holiday season. Jeff Serran, the executive director of the Downtown Improvement Area, says visiting the storefronts gives people ideas on what to pick up for Christmas. Some will buy a gift or two during the walk but others come back at a later time. “They say we were here the night of the Old Fashioned Christmas Walk, saw this, so I’d like to pick it up,” says Serran. He says there are some additions to this year’s event. Serran adds there are a few more musical groups and dancers including an arrangement that lets band members from 22 Wing perform in the foyer of the Capitol Centre. In addition, the WKP Kennedy Gallery will again open its doors with art exhibits.
Returning with the annual snowboarding show and competition is Cheapskates and North Bay Hydro is also back with its bucket rides. The Christmas Walk gets underway with a parade to the Christmas Tree for the official lighting at 6:00pm Friday. On Friday, Moose News continues this feature.
