Summerland light-up bigger, better this year

SUMMERLAND — The holiday season in the Okanagan kicks off Friday in Summerland. The 30th annual Festival of Lights returns bigger and better this year, beginning at 5 p.m., with area youth getting the spotlight.

“It’s shaping up to be the biggest and best festival ever for our 30th anniversary,” said Christine Petkau, executive director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. “It’s just a tremendous showcase for our community and it is fun. I think it has become a cultural mainstay in the valley. People absolutely love light-up, up and down the valley.”

In addition to the usual fireworks, music and good eats, there will be an area specifically geared to children’s performances.

Children’s programming will take place between 6 and 8 p.m. It will include children’s choirs, dances, bands and more from local schools, as well as the Summerland School of Dance and Kinshira Performance Troupe from Kelowna.

A storytelling circle will be located at the plaza of the new Summerland branch of the Okanagan Regional Library. Summerland storyteller Grant Stone is also performing How the Grinch Stole Christmas in costume.

Past festival favourites are set to return, including pony rides and ATV rides, along with more than 50 vendors.

Entertainment begins on Main Street at 5 p.m. with live bands before and after the light-up countdown at 7 p.m.

On the net: summerlandlightup.com.