Parties for the season...

As published in MapleLine Magazine: Nov.4, 2009

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by Mary P. Brooke UPDATE: See photos of the Dec.5, 2009 event

Sooke throws its winter hat into the tourism business ring with the production of Sooke Spirit Festival on December 5. In competition this season with similar day-long party-style events in Victoria and Sidney, it’s an adventurous attempt to draw crowds to Sooke town centre in cold weather against many other time demands of the season.

Spearheaded by Gwen Fisher, president of the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce, the event has support from most sectors of the business community including banks, media, retail and services. Fisher’s main organizing committee includes representation from the District of Sooke, The Chamber and the Coast Guard Auxiliary; key action players are Laura Byrne, Marg Elliot, Carolyne Janzer, Russ Nicks, Frederique Philip, and Jason van der Valk. Other attendees include Matt Mackenzie (Sooke Harbour Resort), Todd Olynyk (Chamber VP), Kel Phair (North Star Plumbing) and local media reps Mary Brooke (MapleLine Magazine) and Rod Sluggett (Sooke News Mirror).

Keeping retail and tourism dollars in Sooke is the primary goal along with providing a family-oriented and community-based activity for both residents and visitors. The annual December parade will be the start of festivities, followed by retail storefront activity, refreshments, children’s activity areas, and then at nightfall a sailpast of decoratively-lighted boats in the harbour.

The Chamber has asked stores and businesses to dress up their frontages; donations of old lighting will be gratefully accepted (drop off at the Chamber office). BC Hydro is being approached to contribute to the additional cost of lighting up the town for this event.

It is no small feat to take a community event to the next level. The extent to which businesses participate as well as how many visitors come from beyond Sooke to play here for the day, will be two of several indicators of success.

Meanwhile, businesses themselves hold holiday season parties for staff and associates. Brian Joslin and Louise Morin host a staff dinner in a private room at a restaurant either in Sooke or Colwood/Langford (as they have two optometry offices) and the partners of staff are invited. Last year the Bees Knees store had a family buffet at owner Judi Trudel’s house, though this year they may take staff out to a local restaurant to support another Sooke business. Sooke Harbour House staff celebrate Christmas and New Year’s before and after they host local businesses, families, guests and visitors during the holiday season. The Chamber has moved its awards banquet (held annually in November) from the Legion to the community hall this year. MM

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