Many festivals say that there is something for everyone, but let’s look at 10 reasons why the Carlyle Dickens Village Festival really DOES offer something for everyone!
Things are free and/or cheap? Like what? All the entertainment at Fezzywig’s is free. The Carlyle Museum provides lovely, affordable luncheon. The pancake breakfast on Saturday morning is provide for a donation to the local food bank! The horse drawn carriage rides are free, as are the welcoming smiles, and great conversations.
Family friendly: From the early-afternoon dance on Friday, the pancake breakfast with Santa, to the children’s entertainment on Saturday, the pictures with Santa at the Victorian Market, and simply the welcoming environment of a licenced Fezzywig’s with a children’s corner, just pack up the whole family and head on down for the whole time. And don’t forget the lighted parade each evening, where candy is hurled dangerously from the backs of moving vehicles.
Fun for shoppers: from the Victorian Market all day Saturday where people can purchase handcrafted items directly from the artists, to the special sales all weekend hosted by local businesses, you can get all your Christmas shopping (if you’re into those things) all done locally, while supporting friends and neighbours.
Like to dress up? Not only do folks have the chance to sport their Victorian outfits all weekend by parading around town, you can also pop over to the Victorian Tea at the United church, and simply take your pick of special hats to wear to dress up for the occasion! Instagram your new look and make sure your friends can join in the fun, no matter where thye are located.
Love music? We are featuring a whole concert of performances in Fezzywigs, Kings and all about town. Support your local artists and celebrate the talent which resides right on our backyard. We have even included an afternoon old tyme dance and a country Gospel hour, local vocal groups and youth troupes, and music which runs the gamut from country to pop to jazz to inclusive Kitchen Parties.
Enjoy the theatre? Cornerstone Theatre’s 17th version of Dickens famous “Christmas Carol” features amazing music, a live band and a set which is jaw-droppingly amazing. You might be able to find a random ticket for either Friday/ Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon performances if you find Don Carter in Fezzywig’s and see if any last minute cancellations have take place.
Local Indigenous artists coming home: Recording artist Dale Mac (earlier performing under KinderScout) is coming home to play one show at the festival. Blues and Roots artist who has traveled widely and performed on international stages will be joining the festival lineup alongside local favourite powerhouse Teagan Littlechief.
Great food is your thing? Quirky offerings of street food is always fun at festivals, and this one is no different! The ever popular clam/corn chowder shack will be serving up gallons of warming soup, and the other food vendors will be plying everything from baked potatoes to sausages on a stick! After the vendors shut down, local Filipino community will be providing food in the Fezzywig’s pub for those who were too busy shopping or dancing to eat before 6 p.m.
Time to slow down, reconnect and catch up: Be social instead of on social media; enjoy face to face time instead of FaceTime; Smile at new and old friends in person instead of posting smiley faces on the Facebook posts of your FB friends. Christmas is a time for family, community and remembering the REAL things which makes life worthwhile!
Practise Generosity: Local service clubs are fundraising by providing services; many events (Theatre, breakfast with Santa) are collecting donations for the local food bank to help those who are just having trouble stretching a buck this winter; local musicians are busking to support their instrument habit; local businesses are hoping to entice us into spending our dollars in our own backyards where they can continue to circulate by supporting jobs, sports teams and the like.
The Carlyle Dickens Village Festival is one where the community comes together to practise creating a connected world where we all take care of each other. And we think it really IS a festival which has something to offer everyone.
Hope to see you at the Dickens Festival, Carlyle 2019.
