In just over a week downtown Summerland will be full of people celebrating the 27th Annual Festival of Lights.
Downtown will definitely be alive with activity as the Summerland Chamber is expecting 6,000 locals and visitors for this great family event.
Celebrating the theme Christmas Rocks, downtown Summerland will be transformed into a holiday wonderland as downtown streets are filled with street performers and many activities for children including Santa’s workshop, pony rides, ATV rides, bouncy castles and an opportunity for photos with Santa.
In addition, Summerland United Church is hosting a KidZone where you can make your own CD or craft, a Quiet Zone, photo ops and more. Elsewhere downtown there will be three ice carving stations and an Art Show and Sale by the Summerland Pleasure Painters at the IOOF Hall.
And at the Arts Centre Seasons Sparkles where you’ll find paintings, fibre art, pottery, jewellery, cards, home decor, original hand-made gift items and much more. Seasons Sparkles will be at the Arts Centre until Dec. 20 and is open daily except Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why cook at home when you can partake of great food from street vendors or get some mac and cheese and soup at Summerland United Church, chili at the IOOF Hall or something from one of our downtown restaurants.
This year Light Up welcomes Vancouver rock band, Damn Fools. Following the release of their first album, Off The Floor in 2013, Damn Fools followed their first tour by landing in the Peak Performance Project’s Top 12, and are quickly working their way into Canadian hearts. Expect to be swept away by a heady mix of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, soul and southern groove.
And, of course, everyone will gather for the mass countdown when all the downtown Christmas lights are switched on. Later on will be the much enjoyed fireworks.
Following the fireworks, the party continues on Main Street with a fire dance display by Kelowna’s Kinshira Performance Troupe.
Festival goers are invited to join the fun: wear your Santa hats, your favourite Christmas scarf and of course, anything that lights up! Wearable Light Up options will be available for purchase.
This Arts Palette column is written by David Finnis, publicity chair and president of the Summerland Community Arts Council, P.O. Box 1217, 9533 Main St., Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0.
