The Summerland Festival of Lights, that enormous pre-Christmas mega-party that brings thousands into the downtown core for a wintery night of celebration, music, fireworks and of course a sudden illumination of the main drag, is officially back.
COVID squashed the event entirely in 2020. A year later, with many restrictions still in place, it was re-imagined as a mere shell of its former self. But in 2022, the frosty festival is born again.
"I'm super duper happy," said an obviously upbeat Lisa Sanders of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. "I've been producing big events for over 30 years, and I really missed having this event on my desk.
"I'm thrilled. I'm beside myself with happiness."
Sanders said to expect two performance/entertainment stages -- the "ReMax Main Stage" with acts like up and coming modern country star Ben Klick and Summerland rock duo Moving Lines, and the kid-friendly "Nesters Family Stage."
The night kicks off at 5 pm with a mini-parade featuring Santa and other seasonal characters. Both stages will open immediately thereafter, and of course most downtown shops will be open too, many serving up beverages and nibblies.
If the night goes true to form, the sidewalks will be lined with vendor and exhibitor tents.
At 7 pm, new Summerland mayor Doug Holmes will hit a button to illuminate nearby streets with decorative lighting. Then at 8:30, the fireworks show begins.
Memorial Park, which has housed mainly children activities in the past, will not be part of the 2022 show. Sanders cited lighting and safety issues. But, she added, there will be a kids' zone near the post office on Victoria Road, not far from the Family Stage.
Meanwhile for the adults, the wineries, cideries and distilleries from nearby Bottleneck Drive will operate an outdoor area serving grown-up refreshments.
"We averaged about 9,000 people (before COVID)," said Sanders. "I'm not sure if we're going to explode this year because everyone's champing at the bits to get back at it, or if people will be cautious. I'm leaning toward it being bigger."
For more information on the 2022 Festival of Lights, go here.
