Every year the Summerland Chamber plans and hosts the Okanagan’s premier kick off to the Christmas season. The annual Festival of Lights will be held on Friday, Nov. 27 this year and the theme is Country Christmas.
Just over 6,000 visitors are expected for the evening.
We love Light Up because it gives us a chance to celebrate the season and throw a really great party.
We also want to showcase our beautiful downtown and our local businesses, provide a wonderful fundraising opportunity for local non-profit organizations, and, last but not least, let our visitors know that Summerland is a great place to live.
The evening kicks off with a Santa procession at 5 p.m.
There will also be western themed ice sculptures sponsored by Nesters Market, Santa’s workshop hosted by the Summerland Credit Union, and fun kid zone activities and photos with Santa sponsored by IGA.
All the Summerland Royalty and candidates will be dressed in their western best this year with matching light up Stetsons.
Get a picture of yourself riding ‘El Diablo’ the mechanical bull.
And remind your kids to bring their letters to Santa to drop off at the post office.
Your family will also enjoy pony and ATV rides, western themed games, bouncy toys, community dancers and choirs and great music.
At 7 p.m. the street will go dark and the whole crowd will count down to the moment the Christmas lights go on.
Fresh from Sun Fest and the Merritt Music Festival, country group The Chris Buck Band will entertain on the main stage this year, along with duo Robyn and Ryleigh.
A spectacular fireworks finale is sponsored by the Summerland Credit Union and will be set to country music.
You’ll also be able to try the most delicious food you’ve ever seen in one place!
There’s an amazing amount that goes on behind the scenes in order to organize a festival of this size and it wouldn’t happen without the participation of some great partners, Festival Support from the District of Summerland and our Festival Services sponsor Progressive Waste Solutions.
Wear your cowboy boots and Stetsons and we hope to see you downtown on Nov. 27.
You can check out all the activities and details at summerlandlightup.com.
We always appreciate your feedback. Please contact me at cpetkau@summerlandchamber.com or our chamber president, Kelly Marshall, at president@summerlandchamber.com .
Christine Petkau is the executive director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.
