by Kyle Wells [email protected] It has been two years since the last Parade of Lights lit up the waters in front of Powell River but it is back and ready to once again bring Christmas cheer to the shores of Westview.
Construction work on the harbour forced parade organizers to take a year off last Christmas but with the new harbours now open organizers can once again round up local boats and head out on the water.
The event is backed by Powell River Yacht Club and will run from 6 to 9 pm on Saturday, December 3. Boats will leave the dock in Westview at 5:30 pm, pre-decorated but not lit up. Once the boats have assembled in Malaspina Strait they will all light up at the same time and then sail down the shoreline to Willingdon Beach, turn around and head back to the harbour.
Co-organizer Robin Morrison said the event is typically a lot of fun as many people pack onto the boats and some sing Christmas carols and generally celebrate the season.
“It’s magical to witness it from the shore and to actually also be on board a boat,” said Morrison. “Both of them have their own kind of special unique magic. It’s definitely a wonderful image to actually witness it.”
Morrison said the best places to view the parade are along Marine Avenue and especially Spirit Square pier at the Wharf at Westview and Willingdon Beach. There will be a bonfire and hot chocolate at Willingdon Beach starting around 6 pm.
Owners of boats of all kinds, whether it be sail or power, can sign up their vessel to take part in the event. Registration is $15, which goes toward advertising costs and hall rental for the awards ceremony, which will take place at 8 pm downstairs at the Royal Canadian Legion. The ceremony is open to everyone in the community.
Awards are handed out separately to the best decorated power and sailboats, along with one for best decorations overall. Awards are handed out in the categories of “wow factor,” “religious” and “unique.”
Anyone interested in registering in the event can contact Mike Pederson at 604.485.7989, Tom Wheeler at 604.485.5869 or Morrison at 604.487.4482. More information can be found on the Yacht Club’s website.
