The sixth annual Festival of Lights gala dinner and auction was the most successful yet, according to Andy Schimmel of the Association of Whistler Realtors. About $58,000 was raised at Saturday night’s affair, with the proceeds going to the Whistler Firefighters Association, Whistler Search and Rescue, Pemberton Search and Rescue, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Whistler/Pemberton, the Whistler Disabled Ski Club, Victim Services, Whistler Youth Crisis Line and the Pemberton Gymnastics Club. Last year’s festival total was $52,000; $57,000 was raised in 1993. Four trophies were awarded in the Festival of Lights decorating contest. The winner in the Hotel/Restaurant/Cabaret category was Aviano Restaurant. In the Office/Retail category Kier Fine Jewelry won. Gerald’s Whistler Peak Pastries won in Function Junction and Taluswood won for best display in Whistler Creek. Jan and Nick Dillala won the best residential display. Second place went to Jim and Nancy Thompson, while Sandy Bathgate took third place in the residential category. Whistler Snowmobile is offering up to $100 off the price of their regular two and three hour tours — and helping the food bank — during Local Daze, Dec. 5 and Dec. 8. Local Daze are a change from the company’s traditional open house and will provide locals an opportunity to get a taste of what snowmobiling is really all about. "Our open house offered 15 minute rides, but now we are giving people the chance to see the Ancient Cedars, blast across two frozen lakes, carve some powder in the alpine meadows and relax with a hearty snack at our wilderness cabin," says Graham Norris. Rates for the two days will be: $19 for two hours with two on a snowmobile, $29 for two hours with one on a snowmobile, $29 for three hours doubling, and $39 for three hours singling. A donation to the food bank is also required. Hair stylist Clayton John recently introduced his new line of "safe" underwear — boxers, bikinis and briefs that come with a condom and a nifty pouch sewed into the waistband to store it. John has secured the rights to Undersafe Wear in the Whistler area. The undies are available in three colours — grey, black and white — and range in price from $12.50 for the bikini brief to $19.99 for the boxer. Undersafe Wear is perfect for those who are "single, want to be active and want to be safe," says John. They also eliminate the "condom ring around the wallet."
