Though the Eagle Fest is over, the eagles will stay for the winter and nature lovers, never perturbed by less than comfortable weather, will keep looking for the one elusive and perfect photo to expose them.
The Photo Art Show "Nature Exposed" at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa is further proof that photography has become an art form all by itself. There is Fred Gornall's photography, for instance, which shows grace, strength and fragility at the same time in its subjects. Then there is Aaron Goodis whose photos show a distinct touch of impressionism or, at other times, give the feel of "still pictures". But there is much more to see and the fact that photographers love to tell how they found their images and how they look for them, makes a show like this unique and special.
The elections are over, too, and here in Harrison Hot Springs, it was a tough one, as usual. In my opinion, it speaks well for our community that there are so many capable people in a relatively small population who are willing to act on behalf of all of us. My congratulations go to the new or re-elected members of the Village Council, while my thanks go to all who dared to stand up and be counted - this is what keeps our village so vibrant! On Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., come to the Memorial Hall and witness the inauguration of the newly-elected council.
But now, after all the hustle and bustle of the election, we should take a deep breath and concentrate on the month of December, the month of Christmas. By this, however, I do not mean to go from one hasty mode into another — far from it. Let's relax, enjoy, have fun! There are some neat things happening around here and I should let you know about it. Christmas, in our larger area, is getting a headstart with "Christmas in the Country" at Kilby on November 26 and 27. The Trillium Restaurant of Minter Gardens offers "Nutcracker Brunches" every Sunday during the month of December. On December the 8, 7 p.m., it is almost a "must" to attend the Agassiz Caroling Fest at the Agricultural Hall and so is the HHS Multicultural Choir's concert of Sunday, December 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the HHS Memorial Hall. Both concerts are free but for a donation to the Agassiz-Harrison Food Bank and both offer refreshments and great Christmas music to put you in the right spirit. This year, the Multicultural Choir will also feature the St. Anthony's Women Choristers, Dru Yates, soprano and Alix Robinson, cellist. What more can I say?
Tthe first weekend in December offers more opportunities to find the special gifts you are looking for: The Lion's Christmas Market in Agassiz and the "Christmas Crawl" in Harrison Hot Springs - the "Crawl" being open both days of the weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the kids, there is the popular "Breakfast with Santa" at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 3rd at the HHS Memorial Hall. Afterwards, in the Village Mall, the winter banners, designed from pictures created by students of Harrison Hot Springs School, will be unveiled to culminate an event promoted by the HHS Communities in Bloom Committee. In the evening at 5 p.m., take the kids to the Harrison " Lagoon Lantern Light-up", for the children and those "young at heart" and at 6 p.m. the mayor will throw the switch to light up the village. Take a leisurely drive through Harrison Hot Springs and be charmed by the many beautifully decorated and illuminated houses on display.
Last, not least, pay a visit to the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa and see the Christmas trees on display in the Tower foyer. They are there to be seen all through the month of December — don't miss it!
I am sure there is more and I will try to let you know about it. But, whatever we do, there is one event we should not miss: on a clear night, let's walk along the Harrison Hot Springs' beach, enjoy the view over the lake, the mountains and the stars in the sky and it will put everything into perspective!