What started out as a membership drive for the arts centre in Slocan Lake has turned into a winter festival that will be kicking off on December 21 with live music, a bonfire, and droves of arts and crafts.

That's the promise from Slocan Lake Arts Council director Jeff Bonner.

"There's such good energy on the board and so many different strengths, that it just kept turning into something bigger and bigger," Bonner said. "So, we're kind of celebrating the solstice and the holiday season. It's all about community."

The Slocan Arts Centre in Silverton will be kicking off the 2022 Winterfest on December 1 at 3 p.m with outdoor activities, which will later move indoors for musical performances and an open mic. There will be mulled wine and beer for sale at the event.

Bonner said three years of pandemic has made people more keen to come out for happenings like Winterfest.

"We're definitely seeing a big difference there. People really want to be involved with community events."

KCR News covers the preparations of 2022 Winterfest