December 12, 2006 | Tips from Us >
Richmond, Festivals & Events
Last Friday evening, I was in Steveston, BC for their Spectacle of Lights event. My friends, Bren and Tim came along with their 2 children, Emma and Helen to enjoy the caroling procession and the lighting of the 40 foot Xmas tree. I was not sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. After meeting up at the Steveston Museum, we meandered through the village, checking out the shop lights and decorations. A few of the shops really pulled out all the stops and had some impressive displays. We were one of the first groups to arrive at the starting point. The evening was cool and crisp, no rain! We had a chance to see the crowd gather. Lots of families, kids bundled up and dogs on leashes. Volunteers were giving away glow sticks, which were a HUGE hit with the kids. Emma loved her orange one and Helen was happy with her "yellad" one. I must say that I liked my green one too! Kids playing with each other and adults chatting - "Community Spirit." The caroling procession started with the arrival of Santa in the motorized Steveston Community hayride at No. 1 Rd and Moncton, in behind went the ROC Chorus. Once the kids saw Santa that was it! Off everyone went after the hayride. We all began caroling down Moncton to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, where the tree lighting ceremony was going to happen. Tim, Bren and the girls got to greet Santa as the hayride was stopped close by. Emma was very excited about meeting Santa! However, Helen being only 2 was a bit shy but she didn't cry. After a few songs by the chorus to allow the crowd to gather. There were welcoming speeches and then Mayor Malcolm Brodie pulled the candy cane switch and the tree light up! "Wow! Pretty!" said Emma. The McMath band played a few tunes after and the crowd went on their way. Some went home, while others stayed to shop or eat. We choose to eat. We had done some research prior to deciding where to have dinner since Emma has quite a few food allergies which makes it a bit more challenging. No