Kicking off 2026
Happy New Year Neighbours!
We made it. The holidays are wrapped, the decorations are down, and we are officially rolling into 2026.
I want to start by saying a massive thank you to everyone who filled the shop this past December. The patience, the generosity, and the camaraderie were off the charts! It is an honour to be so busy and I appreciate you putting turkey on my table.
If you haven’t heard the news, things got a little weird (in the best way) right before Christmas…
The Mari Lwyd Invasion
On December 20th, we invited you to come take a photo with a spooky Welsh horse skull, and Hope did not disappoint.
My beautiful and talented lady Tanya worked incredibly hard on that costume, and it paid off. We had a great turnout, and thanks to your generosity, we raised over $1,000 for the Hope & District Arts Council to support the Concerts in the Park series!
We even made the news! The folks over at Global BC and the Hope Standard seemed a little shocked that the local kids weren’t terrified of the skeletal horse. But as I told the reporters, the kids were super cool.
To everyone who braved the rain, sang a song, or just came to see my daughter (Elf Lucy) working the door: THANK YOU. You helped make a memory and supported the arts.
Art, Clay & Music
Speaking of the Arts Council, I had a nice visit with Darlene from the Art Machine recently. They have a lot going on to kick off the spring:
Youth Pottery: There are only a couple of spots left for the Youth Pottery Wheel class (Ages 12-17) with Shannon Perna. It starts Feb 4th. If you have a teenager looking to get their hands dirty and make something cool, jump on this. My daughter has done it and loved it.
Concerts in the Park: Hope’s hardest-working fundraiser, Sam Masterson, is already hitting the streets drumming up sponsorships.
Call for Musicians: If you’re in a band, now is the time to throw your name forward for the summer series.
Shop Talk: Art on the Shelves
Local artist Lana Raven has had her paintings featured on the MFBC art wall for a while now. If you’ve been eyeing one of her beautiful works, come in this week before they are gone!
Next up? We will be featuring the glass work of Emma!
Reminder: If you are a local artist interested in displaying work, pop by. There is no commission —> 100% of the proceeds go directly to the creator.
New Neighbours & Local Buzz
Hearts and thumbs to a number of brave neighbours opening new businesses in town. Let’s show some love to:
The new Freeform Physio
Mabels Table Food Truck
The re-opened Almsgiving Hope Cinema & Performance House
The soon-to-open Hillside Garden Cafe
Also, the Kingpin Lounge has a Chili Cook-off lined up for February. Who’s in?
Play Ball!
Spring is coming (I promise). Hope Minor Softball is already planning for the season. They are looking for umpires. It’s a paid per-game gig, so if you, or a teenager you know, wants to make some cash and help the league - drop them a hullo.
The Barber Chair Recap
We are back to regular programming. The scissors are sharp, the conversation is flowing, and the coffee is usually on.
Current Rates:
Nice short haircuts: $27 (Everyday)
Seniors (or if you claim to be one): $24
Kids: $19
Cash only. Taxes included.
Thanks for supporting this oddball endeavour of a shop. Come in for a trim, stay for the banter.
See you in the chair!
~Andy
