Old Fashioned Christmas Enjoys Best Season Ever

The people responsible for putting together Old Fashioned Christmas at Sherbrooke Village have been busy checking attendance lists -- twice -- and the news is nice.

Even before all official numbers are in, indications show that participation in this year's Old Fashioned Christmas activities has grown by more than 68 per cent. While opening night attendance accounted for a major portion of this growth, there were substantial increases in a number of other activities as well.

The popularity of the Victorian Tea continues to grow each year, with a 15 per cent increase over last year. The dinner and dance event grew by 25 per cent. Community functions also showed strong growth, with attendance at the Lions Club breakfasts increasing by 78 per cent, the Christmas concert by 10 per cent, and the house tour program by eight per cent.

On the second weekend of the event, local motels and bed and breakfasts were operating at capacity. Some visitors had to stay in Antigonish and Port Dufferin.

Old Fashioned Christmas activities officially concluded on Sunday, Dec. 1, but there are two more musical Christmas events coming up at the Sherbrooke Village Courthouse.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, John Gracie will return to Sherbrooke for the first Nova Scotia presentation of his tour, Christmas As I Remember It. Mr. Gracie's shows have been selling out all over Western Canada for the past three weeks. Indications are that, by Dec. 8, his Christmas recording will have achieved gold status. Plans are under way for a formal recognition of this milestone at the Sherbrooke Courthouse.

Celtic harpists Ardyth and Jennifer will also bring their Winterfire tour to the Courthouse on Sunday, Dec. 15. The two performers list the courthouse as one of their all-time favourite venues.

Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 1-888-743-7845 or visit the Old Fashioned Christmas Web site at museum.gov.ns.ca/sv/christmas.html .