Light up, light up

Tree brightens Sydney boardwalk

More than 600 people braved Friday evening’s strong winds to take in the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Sydney.

Among the crowd that gathered by the boardwalk behind the Civic Centre was Don Burns, a Sydney native who is spending his first Christmas back in Cape Breton after more than 40 years in British Columbia.

“It’s really great to hear the kids singing,” Burns said upon arriving at the event with his sister Dolores. “This is a great way to experience Christmas here after so many years away.”

This year the giant Christmas tree is located on the boardwalk itself and while its location makes for good viewing, there was little protection from the gusting winds coming off the harbour.

“We can handle this - just a bit of wind, after years of watching hockey in cold arenas we can handle this,” said Gerry Charlong who, along with wife Helen, was dressed for the weather.

The couple even brought along lawn chairs to take in the Christmas carols sung by school children from across the municipality.

Once the lights were turned on, dozens of children rushed to the picket fence in front of gigantic Christmas tree to pose for photos.

Eight-year-old Kayla Oisvik and the Demone brothers, Jordan, 6, and four-year-old Tyson, were the first on the scene.

“I came because my brother wanted to come,” said Kayla, who looked like she was enjoying it just as much as her sibling.

While the big tree provided the perfect backdrop for holiday pictures, others crowded around the hot chocolate table for a cup of the warmth-giving drink. Others gathered around the stage to take in the caroling. Meanwhile, Santa Claus held court nearby and patiently listened as children gave him their Christmas wish lists.

The ninth annual tree lighting ceremony was sponsored by the Sydney Waterfront District.

A Christmas light exchange was also held.

People were able to trade in two sets of old, incandescent holiday lights for one new set of energy-efficient LEDs, courtesy of Efficiency Nova Scotia.

DAVID JALA/CAPE BRETON POST The crowd reacts to the lighting of the gigantic Christmas tree that this year sits on the boardwalk behind the Civic Centre on the Sydney waterfront.

DAVID JALA/CAPE BERTON POST Don Burns stands in front of the tree with sister Dolores at Friday evening’s ceremony. Burns is experiencing his first Cape Breton Christmas since moving away to the west coast more than 40 years ago.