Santa arrived from the North Pole right on time to pull the switch for Light-Up 2015, setting the decorations up and down First Avenue ablaze (Photo 6). They’ll be on until Jan. 3, making Ladysmith a wonderland right into the New Year.
The crowd of 20,000 plus (Photo 5) that came to town for Light-Up enjoyed a fantastic afternoon and evening of activities and events for the whole family.
The Christmas Craft Fair at Aggie Hall (Photo 4) was a perennial favourite, enjoyed by Diane Jamieson from Vancouver and Eileen Stevens of Golden Maple Farms.
As well, the annual Spaghetti Dinner, hosted by the Ladysmith Eagles (Photo 7) was a great treat for 7 year-old Kayden and 10 year-old Jayde. All funds raised at the event went to the Festival of Lights Society.
The parade had people cheering. Arriving all the way from Powell River, the Spick & Sons Projects Ltd. float (Photo 1) was one of the highlights. There were also lots of oohs and aahs when the giant, hovering angel drifted by (Photos 2 & 3).
Festival of Lights Volunteer Duck Paterson said, “We’ve never had a day that was that perfect.”
Volunteers make it all happen he said. From the 12 or 13 members of the FOL committee, to the individuals and companies that step up every year.
“Light-Up would never be able to happen without the volunteers,” he said. “There’s always people stepping forward.”
A special thanks went to the Nanaimo Airport Commission, which funded the redecoration of the Chuck Perrin Christmas Tree; and to the Ladysmith & District Credit Union, which funded the concluding fireworks display.
