Festival of lights draws thousands downtown

Close to 8,000 people attended the event on Nov. 24, marking the start of the holiday season

The 30th annual Festival of Lights was a roaring success, Christine Petkau told council Monday.

Petkau is the executive director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the Christmas light-up event.

Her comments about the festival were part of the chamber’s biannual report to council.

Close to 8,000 people attended the festival Nov. 24, which marks the beginning of the holiday season.

Music, food and shopping were highlights, along with wine tastings provided by members of Bottleneck Drive for a $5 donation to the food bank.

There was even the fun of riding a mechanical bull for the young and young at heart.

“I heard nothing but great things,” acting mayor Doug Holmes said.

“Bottleneck Drive ran out of wine, the museum had 300 visitors and the arts centre was hopping.”

This year, festival activities were expanded to include pony rides and kid-friendly lighting in Memorial Park, plus a story circle on the library plaza.

“There was a 50 per cent increase in sponsors and a 20 per cent increase in vendors this year,” Petkau noted.

Festival income increased by more than $15,000 for a total of $38,950.

Expenses also increased, due primarily to the added cost of safety and logistics, and exceeded income by more than $2,000.

Looking to the future, Petkau said the chamber hopes to have an ice rink that will open at lightup and remain open throughout the season.