• Chemainus’ new Visitor Centre will celebrate its grand opening Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Water Wheel Square. North Cowichan Mayor Jon Lefebure will cut the ribbon, and George Gates will provide delicious refreshments. Come and see the first place many visitors to Chemainus see when they enter town.
• The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) invites business people and Chambers of Commerce members to the 2015 Vancouver Island Small Business Information Expo, taking place in Nanaimo on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Events Centre.
• Nov. 26, 3 to 9 p.m., Light-Up – At 6:30 p.m. Santa himself will ‘pull the switch’ that lights up the town. Before that there will be a craft & artisan fair; community spaghetti dinner and food concessions; stage and street entertainment. Then at 6:45 p.m. the Kinsmen Parade will make its way down First Avenue. The night will conclude with the annual Festival of Lights fireworks display. More info at ladysmithfol.com. Also, see the Light-Up magazine inserted in this week’s issue of the Chronicle.
• The 27th Annual Cedar Yellow Point Tour runs Nov. 19 to 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Twenty-one artisans will open their studios to the public, offering everything from hand made wood and metal items, alpaca garments, cranberries or all sorts, quilts, honey, pottery, glass – fused and hand blown, original paintings, jewellery, and hand painted reclaimed furniture. Call 250-245-1252 for more information.
• The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society continues its popular ‘open-stage’ evening this year Nov. 21 at St. Michael’s Hall on Mill Street, 7 p.m., and the third Saturday of every month moving forward. Performers are welcome to take their turns: each will be allowed three songs or 10 minutes, whichever comes first. The public is welcome to attend. Admission is by donation; beverages and light snacks available.
• Award-winning Cowichan Valley vocalist Glaucia Desrochers will take on the role of famed jazz vocalist Billy Holiday in the one-woman musical Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. The opening performances will be at Chemainus Gardens, Nov. 27 & 28, 7 p.m. There will also be performances at the Crofton Pub, and St. Michael’s Church Hall in Chemainus. For information on times and dates go to cvcas.com/ladyday.
• St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church Bazaar & Luncheon will be held at St. Michaels Church at Mill and Croft streets, Chemainus on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a full Christmas Tea for just $7. Available for purchase: baking, mincemeat, preserves, variety table, Christmas crafts, jewelry and more.
