Fernwood Lights Debuts – Sunday November 27, 2016, 4-6:30pm

Light up the last Sunday in November with hundreds of neighbours, taste amazing things, and support a great cause

›› Mila Czemerys & Kathyrn Juricic

It’s a brisk November evening in ­Fernwood Square. Hundreds of ­people have gathered, there is a special energy amongst the crowd. As usual, Gladstone Avenue is bright under the lights and ­Fernwood Square has a glow of it’s own.

People are jubilant, warm and rosy cheeked, from milling about the ­restaurants in Fernwood Village, holiday spirit is high.

You’re the first to hear about the new event, Fernwood Lights, imagined by the creators of the much loved ­Fernwood Bites. We are taking over Fernwood ­Village once again with an event sure to delight. We have been working away in our workshop to create this special gift for the ­neighbourhood: a holiday season food and drink tasting event and treasure hunt of surprises and treats.

Fernwood Village will be your ­hunting ground for delicious appetizers from our great neighbourhood-based restaurants, locally made drink samples, ­entertainment, artisans and magic. The nooks and ­crannies of our Village will be hiding delights for you to discover. Each restaurant will have a sample of their fare and a special drink to sip.

You can look forward to an amuse-bouche from Stage Wine Bar, Fernwood Inn, Aubergine Speciality Foods, Ca Va Bistro Moderne, and the Cornerstone Café. Drink experiences will include a mini cocktail by Victoria Distillers, ­seasonal beer by Phillips Brewery, a tasting of local wine by Storied Wine & Spirits and more. Plus, you can expect to experience some great live entertainment including a choir under the gazebo in Fernwood Square.

Coinciding with this event, ­fingers crossed, the light will be ­spread to ­Fernwood Square, where string lights will hopefully blanket this ­public space. ­Fernwood ­Village will have ­continuity between East & West. There may be other lights to enjoy as well, you’ll have to come check it out for yourself.

You will also be able to peruse plentiful silent auction gifts for your family and friends (or yourself). If you don’t win at the silent auction, you’ll be able to check out an array of artisan vendors ranging from jewelers, potters, artists and more. Picot Collective will be curating the mix so it is guaranteed not to disappoint. There will also be Christmas trees for sale, which you can take home after the event. We will be offering by donation childcare at the Fernwood Community Centre during the event.

All funds raised will go directly to supporting the work of Fernwood ­Neighbourhood Resource Group. Don’t wait to purchase your ticket! Usher in the holiday season with your friendly ­neighbourhood and some radiant cheer.

You won’t want to miss this magical event which will allow you to see our neighbourhood centre in a whole new way while finding new tastes, sips, and ­experiences.

Make sure to catch the first edition of what will likely become another renowned event citywide.