Oak Bay’s illuminated streets will be cast in an extra-bright glow Saturday evening when the Island Equipment Owners Association Lighted Truck Convoy winds through town.
Oak Bay offers several opportunities to enjoy the show, including from Kate’s Café at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and along Oak Bay Avenue.
This year marks the 17th year the IEOA Lighted Truck Convoy will parade through town, part of a tour that starts at Ogden Point in Victoria around 5:45 p.m. and winds through the region on its way to Western Speedway in the West Shore, arriving around 8:30 p.m.
The trucks are expected in Oak Bay Village around 6:30 p.m.
In addition to delighting the young and young-at-heart, the parade of 80 brightly decorated trucks is also a food-raising event for the Mustard Seed.
The Oak Bay Business Improvement Association aims to set a new record in food collection during the trucks’ village visit.
In 2014, a record 2,200 pounds of food was collected, and this year organizers call on the community to help set a new record – aiming to collect 2.5 tons – or 2,500 pounds – of non-perishable food at the Lighted Truck Convoy, says Heather Leary, project manager.
Volunteers will collect food donations from the crowd along Oak Bay Avenue between Monterey Avenue and Foul Bay Road, while Mustard Seed volunteers will be set up at Oak Bay municipal hall to collect cash donations and issue receipts.
Los Gringos Locos will provide musical entertainment on the front lawn of the municipal hall while people await the trucks’ arrival, Leary says.
Businesses will also collect food in advance of the Lighted Truck Convoy to contribute to the Oak Bay Village total.
Donations can be dropped off at:
• SB Windows and Doors, 2000 Oak Bay Ave.
• Just Matcha Tea Shop, 2021 Oak Bay Ave.
• Carlton House, 2080 Oak Bay Ave.
• Athlone Travel, 2187 Oak Bay Ave.
• Oaks Restaurant, 2250 Oak Bay Ave.
At the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Kate’s Café will have tables, outdoor heaters and entertainment for spectators with food and beverage service available from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Guests are also welcome to bring non-perishable food items for the food bank.
Following the parade, the public is invited to join the trucks at Western Speedway, where admission is by cash or non-perishable food item. Coffee, hot dogs and hot chocolate are available by donation.
Because traffic may be congested during the event, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes.
For more information about the IEOA Lighted Truck Convoy, including route maps and times, visit ieoa.ca.
