Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

If you’re looking for a fun family event to take your children to instill some Christmas cheer, make sure to head on out to the Falher Christmas Expo and Santa Day.

The event is going to take place on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Centre Chevaliers in Falher.

Société du Centre Communautaire Rivière la Paix board member Paige Rey says the event will have a little bit for every member of the family.

“(The event) allows people to shop local vendors for Christmas gifts, builds a sense of community, and there are free activities like photos with Santa so that it is accessible for all,” Rey explains.

“We have 40 local vendors ranging from clothes to baked goods to knives to Tupperware,” she adds.

The Expo will be free for everyone to attend, and Rey says it’s a great chance to spend some quality time with your children and family members while getting some shopping in and taking pictures with Santa Claus.

FABuLAS (Falher and Area Beautification and Leisure Activities Society) will also be hosting a bake sale at Expo, so goodies can be purchased to use at Christmas time, Rey says Donna’s Kitchen will also be at the canteen in the hall selling hot food all day.

“People can get their Christmas shopping done by supporting local businesses,” says Rey of the importance of the event.

“Our main attractions are Santa, Christmas music, hot food for purchase, 40 plus local vendors.”

The event will be held in tandem with Smoky River Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) who will be also hosting the Festival of Trees at the same time. The festival is a chance for families to purchase decorations and other homemade goods to help reduce the stress of the Christmas season.

The Festival of Trees will run both Nov. 23 and Nov. 24. All proceeds from this portion of the Expo will go to the Christmas Voucher Program to assist low-income families with costs of Christmas dinner and gifts for children.

“New this year is that we are not charging for Santa photos in an effort to ensure it is accessible for all,” says Rey.

“Photos (will have to be) taken with your own camera. Nord-Ouest FM will be on site playing Christmas music and doing a live show,” she adds.

Rey says the Christmas Expo has become a much-anticipated event in the region, thanks to former organizer Tina Gach.

“Our board’s immense gratitude goes to Tina for creating this legacy event and for all the coaching she has provided us,” notes Rey.

“An event like this is a ton of work and she has created something very beautiful for our community,” concludes Rey