Christmas Magic brightens VIU’s Milner Gardens and Woodland

Volunteers


and staff at Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens and Woodland are as


busy as Santa’s elves preparing for 11 evenings of Christmas Magic.

The


family oriented festival of lights, music, food and crafts begins Friday, Dec.


4.

“It’s


a great seasonal event. For many, it’s become a family Christmas tradition,”


said Geoff Ball, executive director of Milner Gardens and Woodland.

Milner


Christmas Magic runs Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 17-21. More than 50,000


Christmas lights will be lit from 5 to 8:30 pm. Local musicians will perform


carols and other seasonal tunes. Opening night will feature a sing-along and on


Dec. 13, there will be readings of A Child’s Christmas in Wales.


Volunteers from the Qualicum branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library will


be on hand each night to tell seasonal stories in the Queen’s Room.

Dozens


of volunteers are helping to string lights, make wreaths and decorate the


charming Milner House in old-fashioned Christmas splendour. The volunteer


effort continues throughout the event to make an expected 4,000 visitors feel


welcome.

The


gift shop will be open and there will be a silent auction for those who want to


do some shopping in the quaint gabled house that overlooks the Strait of


Georgia.  The Tea Room will be open and there will be hot dogs and chili


available. Children can guess the number of teddy bears in the gardener’s


cottage for a chance to win a prize.

“Santa


will take time out from his busy schedule and be there every night,” Ball said.

This


is the seventh season for Milner Christmas Magic. Admission is by donation and


money raised at the event supports a variety of programs at the picturesque


70-acre site on the West Island Highway south of Qualicum Beach.

Ball


is hoping for a break in the weather this December. Two years ago, the event


was disrupted by a severe windstorm that caused extensive damage on the West


Coast. Last winter, heavy snowfall forced the gardens to close seven out of 11


nights.

“It’s


an important fundraiser for us. We’re anticipating a decent season,” Ball said.


“A white Christmas is fine as long as it comes right at Christmas.”

Visitors


should dress warmly and consider bringing a flashlight for the walk from the


gate to Milner House. A golf cart shuttle is available for those with mobility


issues.

Milner Christmas


Magic  -  Performers

Friday,


Dec. 4         Every Voices Choir:  a


sing-along evening of carols

Saturday,


Dec. 5    Heart’s Ease: early music Ensemble

Sunday,


Dec. 6       Graffiti Quartet: a chartered Sweet


Adelines Chorus

Friday,


Dec. 11       Cantando Chamber


Singers  

Saturday,


Dec. 12  Starlight Reverie

Sunday,


Dec. 13     Readings of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by


Dylan Thomas and music  


                                


    arranged by Diana Fletcher

Thursday,


Dec. 17  Second Wind

Friday,


Dec. 18        Maureen O’Hearne   

Saturday,


Dec. 19   Aaron Hansen  


        

Sunday,


Dec. 20     Starlight Reverie

Monday,


Dec. 21    McShane sisters