North Face store hosting grand opening
Today (Thursday, Nov. 25) the North Face store in the Deer Lodge (located on Main Street on the Village Stroll) is holding a grand opening reception starting at 7 p.m., offering discounts of 30 per cent across the entire store. As well, there will be a silent auction raising money for the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
The highlight of the opening is the appearance of mountaineer Pete Athans, who is also knows as "Mr. Everest." He is only one of three non-sherpas to summit Mount Everest seven times, after four failed attempts in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1989. He has climbed many of the highest peaks in the world and made a first ascent of Breaking Point Ridge on Mt. Hunter in Alaska.
When he's not burdened under ropes and ice axes, Athans is a writer, presenter, documentarian and a strong proponent of Sherpa culture and the contribution of sherpas to exploration.
He was also part of the rescue effort in 1996 when eight climbers died during a single storm.
Orkidz consignment
The Orkidz Art Studio in Function Junction has created an environment for kids to explore their artistic side. In January, Orkidz will also be helping kids to explore their style, with the creation of Kidz Consignment Clothing.
The consignment store gives parents and children a way to earn money by selling used clothing, with a portion of the proceeds helping the Orkidz Art Studio keep its costs down.
An e-mail promises more details in the future, but the start date should be January 2011. As well, Orkidz will collect clothes from Vancouver, Pemberton and Squamish during the first few months to increase the shop's inventory.
Polar Express returns to West Coast Railway Heritage Park
What would Christmas be without a train trip to the North Pole?
On Dec. 4 and 5 the Polar Express is returning to Squamish, with a roughly hour-long trip for families to visit Santa Claus in the North Pole.
There will be other Christmas activities at the railway park, including the annual Christmas Craft Fair in the Roundhouse, a workshop where kids can build things, the mini rail and a chance to meet Santa. Carbonsync, which grows potted Christmas trees, will be providing the greenery, and renting trees out for the winter season.
Tickets for the Polar Express are $19 for children two to 12, $22 for everyone else, and $32 for a first class ticket. The trains depart daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
