Discover Sooke

What an eventful day! Today was the Annual Sooke Spirit Festival and the weather couldn’t have been more ideal: sunny clear skies and a crisp chill to the air that says Christmas is coming!

The excitement began with a well-timed rescue of a terrified tan Chihuahua in a red velvet and tulle tutu just outside Eagle Eye Outfitters on Church Rd on my way to the Santa Clause Parade. Apparently the four-legged parade-goer got spookedWhat an eventful day! Today was the Annual Sooke Spirit Festival and the weather couldn’t have been more ideal: sunny clear skies and a crisp chill to the air that says Christmas is coming!

In addition to an appearance by Old Saint Nick himself, the parade included a stilt-walker, a walking nativity scene, enough candy canes for the whole crowd, and tons of decked out cars, boats, bikes and dogs…to name a few! Along with the Santa Clause Parade, there was great music, crafters, parade-side concessions, and great local shopping—a full day festival. The residents of Sooke made a wonderful showing; the streets were bustling with friendly faces. Though filled with holiday spirit, I needed a little something extra to warm me up after the parade, so I headed for the Reading Room Café for an herbal tea. Mmmm.

The festivities continued into the early evening with the second annual inner harbour Sail Past – a floating procession of vessels lighting up the night sky. More than 14 boats took part, festive and bright, took part, and each elaborately decorated with strings of lights, illuminated figurines, bows and glowing stars. The boats could be seen from many viewpoints along the shoreline, with optimal viewing from the Rotary Pier and Whiffen Spit.

Huge thanks to the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Sooke Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit #37 and the District of Sooke, for making the Annual Sooke Spirit Festival a wonderful success and tons of fun!

Filed under: Latest News on December 7th, 2009