SHERBROOKE — Once one of the largest seasonal draws in Nova Scotia, attracting thousands from across the Maritimes and as far as Quebec, Sherbrooke Village’s Old Fashioned Christmas (OFC) celebration had lost momentum in recent years as volunteer numbers dwindled.
Now, with fresh energy, new faces, and a revamped approach, the beloved community tradition is preparing for a comeback.
Residents, former board members and new volunteers helping to shape the event’s return were invited to offer input and ideas during an information session, one aimed at rallying community spirit, held at the Sherbrooke Village exhibit centre on Aug. 11. Led by Lanny Boyer, Sherbrooke Village’s special events coordinator, the OFC’s new coordination team listened as attendees shared memories and suggestions.
With last year’s cancellation, residents had expressed concern about whether the OFC would return, and what changes might be coming – particularly around many “old favourites.”
Boyer did his best to alleviate those fears.
“Christmas at Sherbrooke Village is a community festival,” he told The Journal, stressing the importance of including input and suggestions from residents.
Now operating under the Sherbrooke Village Museum, the OFC is undergoing a strategic revamp, with planning efforts focused on reviving events that are known and loved while adding new elements to the celebration.
Boyer noted the committee is “looking for a good team of like-minded folks who all want to see a sustainable framework for Christmas at Sherbrooke Village to thrive for years to come.”
He described a mix of wisdom and youthful vigour shaping the new planning process. “It’s been a lot of fun to be in the room for that energy,” he said. “Now that we’ve got some wear on the treads, it’s very rewarding to see how different offerings are starting to take shape.”
With an event the size of OFC, Boyer said “the clock is always ticking,” adding, “we’re very blessed to have some folks who have been part of the event for many years lending their insights and keeping us from hitting snags or dead ends that might’ve been encountered in previous years.”
Costs of everything from materials to energy and staffing have risen, and a great deal of time has been spent reaching out to sponsors. “What we’re finding is that our extended community is very excited to have the event back,” Boyer said. “There has been a great deal of generosity that has been helping us chip away at that mountain.”
An artistic director for many years in many formats, Boyer said he believes it’s always wise “to innovate just a little bit” each time an event is staged. Still, he added, “there’s certainly a sweet spot, as there’s always inherent risk bringing new programming to life.”
This year, more than three-quarters of the program will be old favourites: Victorian teas, the tree-lighting ceremony, candlelight vigil, artisans in their spaces, hot cocoa, and lights. “There will be so many lights,” Boyer said.
The rest, for now, remains under wraps. “We plan to open more of the Village up for the event than we’ve ever had before,” he said. “We plan on making space for more voices and perspectives on the holiday season than we’ve had in the past, and one offering that we’re working on in particular might just be ‘larger than life.’ We’re very excited.”
A more comprehensive open house will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 5 to 6 p.m., in the exhibit centre. “At this meeting, we’ll be able to provide a much more specific look at ticketing, schedule, and volunteer coordination,” Boyer said. Information will also appear in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s newsletter and on social media.
“I’m happy to say that the response from the community, past volunteers or otherwise, has been incredibly welcoming and supportive,” Boyer said, adding he has been humbled by the showing of kindness and desire for the new committee to succeed.
“Everyone has a story from Christmases past they like to share,” he noted. “Everyone has experiences that are important to them, and getting to share in those has been a real treat for me.”
Boyer, who is also a storyteller and a member of the new It takes a Village Theatre Makers group in Sherbrooke, said, “It’s been marvelous to have the opportunity to have my ear bent by so many people who have played such a vital role in the last 30 years of Christmas at Sherbrooke Village.”
