For the second act of , Martini Film Studios made a few changes for year two of their Christmas celebration at Martini Town, the studio's outdoor Aldergrove backlot with a New York brownstone theme, that includes row houses, a movie theatre, a retro diner and an urban alleyway.
New attractions included a relocated Martini Cafe serving hot chocolate and other treats in a ground-level brownstone, a large, clear-roofed tent providing cover from the weather in the square, and a bigger covered shelter with tables and chairs near the relocated and expanded food truck zone.
Santa was back, and so was Market Lane, showcasing a variety of artisans and businesses inside a heated tent.
Live music attractions featured nightly performances by the Vancouver-based trio , plus local musicians, and strolling Victorian carollers.
Victorian carollers applauded by visitors to the Martini Town backlot in Aldergrove
鈥� 91原创 Advance Times (@91原创Times)
As before, a portion of ticket proceeds were to be donated to the 91原创 Food Bank.
But this year, instead of waiting for the event to wrap up before calculating a final tally, Gemma Martini, CEO of Martini Film Studios, presented a cheque for $60,000 to the food bank on Friday, Dec. 6, just a few days after Merry and Bright opened.
"We knew that they needed the money earlier in the month," Martini told the 91原创 Advance Times.
At the presentation, Jim Calamunce, food bank executive director, estimated the 91原创 and Aldergrove banks currently feed 6,000 people.
"Just over the last two months we had 75 brand new family units come," Calamunce said.
Martini told Calamunce "my heart goes out to those families who are not able to feed their family and I'm so grateful for the work that you do in order to ensure that they can. It is our absolute pleasure to be able to hand this over to you."
Martini said at the half-way point, the event appears to be well-attended.
"We're super pleased with the turnout and the support," Martini told the 91原创 Advance Times on Sunday, Dec. 15.
"We feel so fortunate that so many people are coming to enjoy it. Certainly, on [weekend] days like this, where the weather's glorious, we're sold out."
Merry and Bright at Martini Town, 1123 272 St. will run until Jan. 5, 2025, Wednesday to Sunday, 3-10 p.m. including Boxing Day and New Year鈥檚 Day; but closed Christmas Day.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time slot. They are only available for purchase online at .
