Category Archives: Oreo

The Kamloops Christmas Market

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It’s started snowing up in Aberdeen, so you know what time of the year it is — winter is drawing close, and even closer is everyone’s favorite holiday: Christmas! It feels like the perfect time to explore Vancouver and Kelowna, but hold up, there’s stuff to do here in Kamloops this Christmas!

Lights and glimmer at the Kamloops Christmas Market. Oreoluwa Alakaba/TRU

From November 21st to 30th is the inaugural Kamloops Christmas Market, happening at Riverside Park, downtown Kamloops. The market is a festive family holiday event with local vendors and artisans, bringing together the best things about this city , from food trucks to great bands and small Kamloops businesses.

Moose Mountain Apparel, one of the vendors at the Kamloops Christmas Market. Oreoluwa Alakaba/TRU

With gleaming lights at every corner and Santa’s cheery laughter, the market perfectly creates that classic European-style Christmas right here in Kamloops. At the market, kids are cozied up in their toques and jackets, running around as their parents chase after them. People are gathered around the fireplaces warming their hands and sipping hot drinks, while families pose by the giant Christmas tree, taking photos and making memories.

Oreo from In The Loops was able to document one of the market days, getting the chance to speak to Nicole Hall, a volunteer with Freeze Athletics, and Courtney Crall, a vendor from Earthen Moon. Interested in what the market looked like? Have a look!

With amazing music from local bands across Kamloops, the market really creates the perfect cozy winter vibe. The market runs till the 30th of November at Riverside Park and is definitely worth checking out!

Decorative ornament at the Christmas market Oreoluwa Alakaba/TRU

Get handmade crafts from local artisans to support small and local businesses, grab a bite or sip from any of the food trucks, take some amazing pictures with Santa, and create some beautiful Christmas memories this year at the Kamloops Christmas Market.

Partcipants walking aroun the christmas market Oreoluwa Alakaba/TRU

¡Bienvenidos a la Fiesta Latina!

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Fiesta Latina at the Double Tree Hilton Kamloops, hosted by the Hispanic Society of Kamloops (Oreoluwa Alakaba/TRU).

With October marking the Hispanic heritage month in Canada, Last Saturday was a colourful time at the Double Tree Hilton as participants gathered to celebrate Fiesta Latina.

Laughter, dance and the smell of Tacos filled the hall as this annual event hosted by the Hispanic Society of Kamloops, is a celebration of everything Hispanic—food, culture, dance, music and colors. In the Loops was given the chance to speak to Yamilka Zienowicz, a volunteer with the HSK, as well as Adam Lopez, a Mexican student at TRU about this celebration.

Want to hear what this event sounded like? Take a listen!

Fiesta Latina reflected the warmth of the Hispanic society in Kamloops, as it embraced individuals from other cultures as Canadians, as well as other ethnicities were present at the event. The event ended an overall success as people danced and chanted all night to the rhythm of the DJ, eating, drinking and singing their hearts out.

The Hispanic Society of Kamloops continues to host other Hispanic-centered events around Kamloops that are open for anyone who wants to take a peek into the beautiful Hispanic culture. More details are on their page.

Have you been to an Hispanic event? Let me know in the comments!

Turkey Dinners and Warm Hearts at the KIS.

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and at Kamloops Immigrant Services, you can smell the turkey a mile away.

On October 8th, KIS hosted its annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner. “The Thanksgiving Potluck is one of the dinners we host on a larger scale,” said Emily Shuttleworth, Community Connections Coordinator at KIS. “It’s an opportunity for new clients to try turkey, ham, and other Canadian foods , and to bring a little bit of their own culture to the table too.”

In the halls, the air buzzed with chatter as people swapped stories about their home countries and their experiences in Canada. The laughter of children echoed in the background, filling the space with warmth. For Emily, that’s what the event is all about

“My favorite part about planning this event is seeing the children play and run around, and when I see people talking to those they haven’t talked to before or sitting with people they haven’t met , getting to know each other.”

At KIS, food is more than just a meal, it’s a way to foster community among people who are far from home.

It can be hard to meet new people in Kamloops, whether you’re a student at TRU or a newcomer to the city. Events like these offer a welcoming space to connect and form lasting friendships. “TRU students are always welcome to KIS events,” Emily added, explaining that KIS regularly hosts activities like movie nights and arts and crafts workshops to help people bond and feel at home.

As winter creeps in, we can’t forget to warm not just our bodies, but our hearts, by surrounding ourselves with community.

The Kamloops Immigrant Services continues to support newcomers and international students, helping them settle into Kamloops and build meaningful connections. Upcoming events are featured on the KIS event calendar for anyone interested in joining.

Got any plans for Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments!