First Weekend of Old Fashioned Christmas a Success

It took only one weekend for Sherbrooke Village's Old Fashioned Christmas to eclipse its previous record for attendance -- and there's still another weekend to go.

This year's opening-night celebration was attended by over 3,000 people -- more than double last year's opening-night figure.

Organizing committee co-chair Nola Archibald attributes the growth to the increased recognition the event has built up year- by-year, and to the hard work of committee members to continually improve both the programming and the marketing of the event.

"We feel we've reached a level of public trust," said Ms. Archibald. "People now know that if they attend the event, they can count on having a great time."

Attendance was either up or on par with last year at the weekend's Old Fashioned Christmas Concert, Ecumenical Choir Service, Lions Pancake Breakfast, craft show and various children's activities.

Old Fashioned Christmas continues Friday, Nov. 29, and events include a nightly lighting display from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which 25,000 lights shine from the historic village.

The festivities conclude with a concert by the MacLean Sisters at the Sherbrooke Courthouse, at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Later in December, two more concerts will be held in Sherbrooke Village. John Gracie performs his annual Christmas Show on Dec. 8, and Ardyth and Jennifer bring their "Winterfire" tour to the village on Dec. 15.

More information is available by calling toll-free 1-888-743-7845 or on the Old Fashioned Christmas Web site at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/sv/christmas.html