Jerry Dee will be performing at the Kelowna Community Theatre Friday at 7:30 p.m.

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KELOWNA - As Christmas draws near, events are planned across Kelowna that will surely help get you and your loved ones into the spirit of the season.

This year marks the 11th year of the Santa Sleigh Bus, which will be touring the Central Okanagan collecting toys, food donations and money for the Salvation Army. Join Mayor Gray and members of council Dec. 8 to 14 as they make stops at schools and other locations throughout Kelowna, Peachland, West Kelowna and Lake Country.

Catch comedian Gerry Dee on "The Real Mr. D" 2013 Comedy Tour" at the Kelowna Community Theatre Friday at 7:30 p.m. Dee, an award-winning comedian and television actor, will be offering his hilarious take on marriage, fatherhood and his years spent as a teacher.

Rutland Centenial Hall is hosting an outdoor/indoor flea market this Sunday starting at 7 a.m. On offer will be everything from tools, antiques, collectables as well as camping and fishing gear.

Put some heat in your winter as firefighters from across the Okanagan will be selling their 2014 Kelowna Firefighters Calendar at Rose's Pub, Friday at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the sale of the $20 calendar will go to charity.

Honour a loved one this weekend at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery where two Trees of Memory will be available for visitors to place an ornament in remembrance of their loved ones. The Tree of Memories, located under the dome by the Promontory Green Internment Garden, is available for visitors every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The holidays are a time of reflection and celebration,” says Norm Ryder, Cemetery Manager. “Placing an ornament on a Tree of Memories can help bring some peace to friends and family during this special time of year.”

Come on down to the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Winter Market at the Parkinson Rec. Centre Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for fruit, veggies, cheeses, baking, crafts and more.

The Lake Country Art Gallery is gearing up for the holiday season and its biggest show of the year. The 4th Annual Under 100 exhibition is comprised of small, one of a kind, original artworks by over 50 local Okanagan artists available for sale for under $100.

“We’ve had a great response from artists for this year’s Under 100 exhibition”, says Katie Brennan, curator of the Lake Country Art Gallery. “There are a good number of artists who have exhibited with us before, as well as a good number of new artists this year, which is always exciting”.

In total, the exhibition will showcase the work of over 50 local Okanagan artists. In addition to small works priced under $100. The 4th Annual Under 100 exhibition opens at the Lake Country Art Gallery continues until Dec. 21. Admission is free and open to the public.

Want to spend your weekend learning something new instead? See how two favourite Japanese style dishes, Udon and Mochi, are made at the Kelowna Buddhist Temple’s annual, year-end fundraiser Saturday at 8 a.m. 

The Great Toy Drive will be collecting toy and gift donations for the Boys and Girls Clubs Christmas hamper program Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Last year the Drive collected over 200 hampers for local families in need. They are seeking toy, book, gifts for teens, and winter wear. Donations can be dropped off at the Investors Group in West Kelowna.

Friendly People's Food Bank is hosting their annual Holiday Bake Sale on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bottega Farm Inn will host their third annual Christmas Market & Art Show on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will feature some of the Okanagan's finest artists and crafters. There will be live music, kids’ activities, specialty treats, food, drink and more, all set in the heart of beautiful South East Kelowna at Bottega Farm Inn. All proceeds support the Karis Support Society; a local charity that provides safe housing, support, life skills, and training for people caught in life altering addiction and mental health. Minimum donation is $2.

And finally, Santa will be making an appearance this Saturday at Mission Park Shopping Centre from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visit and take photos with Santa, stop by Urban Fare for hot chocolate, be amazed by Magician Leif Davis, listen to the carolling of The Celebration Singers or visit the animals at The Little Rascals Petting Zoo.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca, call (250) 718-0428 or tweet @AdamProskiw.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013