Next weekend, Summerland will mark the start of the festive season with the 27th annual Festival of Lights.
The festival, on Friday, Nov. 28, is expected to draw 6,000 visitors to the downtown area for an evening of entertainment, attractions and fireworks.
Downtown holiday light displays will be turned on at 7 p.m.
The evening is organized by the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s theme is Christmas Rocks. Entertainment includes a mix of rock, rhythm and blues, soul and southern groove, in addition to choirs and carollers.
Sophia Jackson of the Summerland Chamber said local performers this year include Daniel Raitt of Silent Alarm and Our Sons, lead by John Rousseau.
Damn Fools, a highly rated Vancouver-based southern rock band, will also provide musical entertainment.
The evening also includes a fireworks display, sponsored by the Summerland Credit Union, followed by a fire dance by Kelowna’s Kinshira Performance Troupe.
In addition to the entertainment, the festival will feature food and gift vendors on Main Street.
Three ice carving stations, sponsored by Nesters Market, will be set up downtown.
The Summerland Art Gallery will have various arts and craft items available at the annual Season Sparkles show.
For children, the Summerland Credit Union will host its Santa’s Workshop craft area. IGA Summerland will host the Kids Zone, which includes bouncy castles and pictures with Santa.
The Summerland Fire Department will have a fire truck set up downtown and will collect donations for the annual Toys and Toonies for Tots and Teens drive.
On the Saturday and Sunday, the Bottleneck Drive wineries will host the fourth annual Light Up the Vines event.
