'Tis the season to be busy and the Grand Forks Recreation Department (GFREC) has a lot of family-friendly activities to add to your holiday events calendar.
We begin with our 24th annual Seniors Social this Friday, Dec. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The social is held in the lobby of the Grand Forks Curling Rink, making it accessible to all.
All seniors are invited, whether they participate in our regular fitness programs or not. Coffee and juice are provided and we ask you to bring along your favourite holiday treat to share with others. Come and enjoy good company and conversation.
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On Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m., don’t miss out on Christina Lake Recreation’s annual Santa Visit sponsored in part by the Village at Christina Lake.
This year, the community event will take place at Christina Lake Village, where Santa will ride in on a fire truck at 1:30 p.m.
There will be storytime with Lizanne Eastwood from the Grand Forks & District Public Library, a dance demonstration by Stacey O’Donnell, a kids craft and hot cocoa and snacks. This is a free event for the entire family.
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The 20th annual Old Fashioned Christmas will be held at the Grand Forks Arena on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. sponsored by GFREC, Mountain FM, Overwaitea and Van Houtte Coffee.
Enjoy an ice show by the figure skating club at 6 p.m., Christmas carols at 7 p.m., a visit from Santa at 7:30 p.m. and free skating and cocoa from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The figure skating club is also hosting a bake sale throughout the evening and you can register your children for winter programming. Ron and Iris will have the concession open also.
Bring the entire family down for an evening of good food, good friends and good old-fashioned fun.
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Don’t forget about the CIBC Santa Swim at the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. This is an annual Christmas event providing healthy fun for everyone.
Santa arrives in the pool lobby at 1:30 p.m. bringing with him goodie bags and cookies for all the kids. Regular pool admission does apply and the pool is open for public swimming from 1 to 6 p.m.
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And last but certainly not least is the GFREC and Rotary free First Night Celebration at the pool Saturday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the New Year with the young and young at heart in a family-friendly environment.
You can have an early New Year’s party with the kids and still get home in time to put them to bed and head out for a “grown up” celebration later on.
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Pick up a December flyer or check out the brochure at www.rdkb.com. You can also call 250-442-2202 or the aquatic centre at 250-442-3488 for details on all of our holiday events, pool and skating schedules.