It was an opportunity to engage in some non-consumer Christmas cheer on Friday, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 at the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Centre in Williams Lake.
Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society’s Earth-Friendly Holiday Event returned, the first time since 2019.
The event offers attendees all kinds of engaging artistic and crafty stations to create holiday magic without creating holiday waste.
One of the most popular parts is the chance to make a holiday wreath using foraged materials on repurposed bicycle rims. Cedar, fir, juniper, and willow boughs were used to help form a wreath, then individuals accented their creations in a massive array of ways using pine cones, dried grasses, Oregon grape, and other things.
Many wreath-makers remarked how incredible it was to see how each wreath was so completely unique, despite everyone starting with the same materials.
Other arts centre member groups helped support the event as well with open studios and activities. Weavers, artists and potters all opened their spaces and offered activities and trials.
Upstairs, there were ornaments to make, critter houses to create, and bird feeders to fill.
All the materials were made from either natural materials or salvaged items which would otherwise be trash. The ability to make an attractive ornament from a six-pack ring is an impressive feat indeed.
While turnouts for the two days of family-friendly activities was less than in years past, those who did attend left with smiles and the certainty their holidays were a little more Earth-friendly.
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