LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
There are so many Christmas lights up at the Milner Gardens Christmas Magic Event, that organizers have lost count.
"We counted a few years ago and we had over 50,000, and then we just got so busy putting them up that we lost count," said Geoff Ball, executive director of Milner Gardens. "We have greatly increased the number since that time."
The popular family Christmas event happens Friday through Sundays starting Nov. 30 and running to Dec. 16, plus three extra days Dec. 17-19.Besides the Christmas lights strung up throughout the wooded property, the Milner House will be adorned in old fashioned Christmas splendour, and inside volunteers from the local library sit amongst cozy cushions ready for story time.Ball said it's not just the young ones that enjoy this room.
"We certainly have lots of toddlers go in, but I've also gone into the room and had nothing but young adults all curled up listening to stories."
Santa Claus awaits children in one of the cottages, and in another there are piles of plush Teddy Bears. Visitors can guess the number of these fuzzy toys for a prize, and also bid on silent auction items.A schedule of rotating local musicians will play seasonal music in the main house from 6 - 8 p.m. each night and people can peruse home-made jams, garden art and other items in the gift shop.
Outside visitors may warm up with coffee, hot chocolate and spiced tea or grab a hot dog or some chili.The tea room will also be open inside the Milner House.
The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. each day, entry is by donation, with a suggested adult donation of $5. Flashlights are a good idea and umbrellas are available to borrow. There is a golf cart shuttle available for those with mobility issues. For more information please visit www.milnergardens.org or phone 250-752-6153.