The annual Ladysmith Light Up is a popular annual holiday tradition, with thousands descending on the small town for a parade and fireworks (CVRD)

By Kyle Ireland

light it up

Ladysmith’s festival of lights sparks holiday season

Nov 27, 2019 | 12:53 PM

LADYSMITH — An event that attracts tens of thousands from around Vancouver Island is set to flick the switch on the holiday season.

The 32nd annual Ladysmith Festival of Lights takes place Thursday, Nov 28. The event officially gets underway at 3:00 p.m. with a Christmas craft fair, followed by a parade and fireworks.

Festival president Alex Cook estimates the event attracts anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 people each year and is special to residents of Ladysmith.

“It’s a chance for people to actually get a chance to see what Ladysmith does and what it’s all about,” Cook said.

After arriving in Nanaimo on Sunday, Santa Claus will be on hand to lead the festivities. A large fireworks display will follow the parade

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“Santa usually arrives around 6:30 p.m. then we have the actual light up followed by the parade,” Cook added.

Organizers advise visitors arrive early and avoid parking downtown. A shuttle service will ferry people from upper Ladysmith to the light up and back. Cook also recommended leaving dogs at home.

A group of close to 90 volunteers help make the event possible each year. The lights will remain on in Ladysmith until the third week of January.

Light-Up schedule:

• 3 p.m. – Community spaghetti dinner and craft fair
• 4:00 -6:15 p.m. – Entertainment on stage
• 6:30 p.m. – Santa arrives for the Light-Up
• 6:45 p.m. – Kinsmen Parade
• 7:45 p.m. (approx) – Fireworks

Kyle Ireland

On Twitter: @Kyle_Ireland31