Ladysmith Light-Up marks start of holiday season for many on mid-island
NANAIMO — There is arguably no event more synonymous with Christmas on the mid-island than the Ladysmith Light-Up.
As many as 20,000 people are expected to pack downtown Ladysmith on Thursday night to watch Santa Claus throw the switch on the 30th annual Festival of Lights.
Festival president and Ladysmith councillor Duck Paterson said the fact locals have adopted the event as a personal project is a big factor behind its continual surge in popularity.
“It’s given them a lot of pride…It’s brought some notice to Ladysmith and people are taking pride in that and that’s what’s made it grow.”