While some may find it difficult to welcome colder months by turning back the clocks and settling into earlier darkness, one Oak Bay tradition always brings light back to the streets – and to the hearts of Greater Victoria residents. Celebrating a quarter of a century, the Oak Bay Light Up marks its 25-year anniversary, heralding the coming of the Christmas season. Taking place on Oak Bay Avenue between Wilmot Place and Monterey Avenue, the fun began at 2 p.m. with crafts, games, street food and entertainment. The event offered a wide range of free, family-friendly options, including letter-writing to Santa, a hula-hoop tent, a drawing station, a wreath-making area and more. Throughout the afternoon, spectators enjoyed live music from various artists and groups, including the Whoville Children’s Choir, the BC Fiddle Orchestra, Oak Bay High’s jazz combos and the Joy of Life Choir. This kept the little ones busy leading up to the heart of the event, the official light up at 5 p.m., when the ceremonial plugs were connected to illuminate the buildings, lampposts and trees along a section of Oak Bay Avenue. Shortly after, both Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance to greet the crowd and pose for photos. Orchestrating the event was Heather Leary, who said the celebration has always had community at its core. “There’s lots of stuff for families to do and enjoy the start of the season,” she said. “We take pride in it being free, so people can come and really just enjoy being in the community.” Taking root at the turn of the millennium, Leary explained that the event began with Matt McNeill, owner of the Penny Farthing Pub, and other local business owners who wanted to bring some happiness during hard times. “They got together and wanted to do something to bring some cheer to the community after the tragedy of 9/11,” she said. “The idea was to bring some light to the darkness and to have an event that would kick it all off.” Rapidly becoming a community favourite, Leary said this year’s turnout was excellent, with several thousand people attending. “We were expecting a good crowd because I’d been hearing all month, as the lights were being put in, that people couldn’t wait for the lights to come on and for the village to be lit up,” she said. Laura Balcarras and her two children were among the attendees, and the celebration is marked on their calendar every year. “Every year we like to come to this event because it’s quite magical, especially when Santa comes in,” she said. While the event takes a considerable amount of time and energy each year, Leary is proud to welcome the public year after year to an event that wouldn’t be possible without the broad support of the community. “It’s driven by the business community, but it’s well supported by the fire department, the police department and suppliers who come and bring their A-game,” she said.
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