LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
A Christmas event at a local farm will feature live music, wagon rides, wood-fired pizza, a live manger scene and free, hot, tasty beverages with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army and Manna Ministries.
It’s the sixth annual Christmas at the Farm at the Morningstar Farm (home of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Mooberry Winery) on Dec. 22, but this year, organizers put a twist on their usual event meant as a gift to the community. The farm is asking visitors to the event this year to leave a donation of cash or a non-perishable food donation and these will be matched by participating businesses.
“We believe it’s a gift and it’s also a way to fill a need,” said Lori Palmiere, wholesale marketing manager at the farm.
The farm is hoping to raise $20,000 at the event, as well as non-perishable food items for needy families and the homeless in the area.
Live music includes A Christmas Jazz quartet, a youth brass ensemble and the Oceanside Youth Adults Carolers.
Wood-fired, homemade pizza will be sold for $3 a slice with proceeds also going to the two causes. There will be a marshmallow roast, a milking demo, a brief video presentation by cheese-maker Jerrold Paetkau and more.
The event happens Saturday, Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Morningstar Farm is located at 403 Lowrys Road in Parksville. For directions, and more information, visit www.morningstarfarm.ca or call 250-954-3931.