This past Friday was MLA Ian Wishart's end-of-the-calendar-year open house in Portage.

He explains it's an opportunity to have a meet-and-greet time with Portagers and those around the area.

"We're always open and people are always welcome, but it's sort of a special 'Christmassy' event to bring everyone one, and a chance to visit in a less formal setting," notes Wishart. "So, it's great."

He adds he enjoys hearing people's thoughts, concerns and interests. Wishart says there's always a good crowd that attends each time, and he's planning for his next one in the spring.

Wishart says it has a flavour of Christmas about it, and he likes to use that to kick off the Christmas season for everyone.