There was a wonderful feeling of community at the Colwood Christmas Light Up on the evening of December 9, 2015. Families, friends and neighbours donned their mittens and gathered at City Hall to celebrate the season together.
Steaming hot chocolate was served up by the friendly team from Bitez Sandwich Bar, while Dave Grove, the owner of Royal Bay Bakery doled out tray after tray of his mouthwatering apple fritters. And the team of volunteers from Red Barn Market at Latoria Walk fired up the BarnBQ and grilled their signature hot dogs for everyone.
Youngsters from Sangster and Colwood Elementary Schools sang their hearts out, and Royal Bay Secondary School's Jazz Band brought a cool and festive vibe to the event with their big band sounds.
Inside, kids got creative with craft activities led by volunteers from West Shore Parks & Recreation while parents browsed gift items for sale from the talented artists at Coast Collective Art Centre.
But the real fun for the little ones came when the fire truck rolled up with a special guest on board. Santa arrived in style with lights flashing and sirens blaring while kids stood wide-eyed with delight. It's always fun to watch the kids with Santa - whether they bound boldly up or hide shyly behind mom's knees.
The generosity of our community was also evident in the donations that piled up under the Christmas trees inside City Hall. People were asked to use their donation to 'vote' for their favourite tree - the one decorated by City Council, City staff, Public Works staff or the Fire Department. Public works stole the kids hearts and the honour of being voted best tree by planting their tree inside the bucket of a backhoe! The four live trees will now be planted out in the community for a lifetime of enjoyment.
This annual event represents the best parts of our community, with local businesses donating goods, volunteers and students sharing their time and talents, and people connecting, giving to those in need and just enjoying each other's company.
Sincere thanks again to everyone who took part.
