Light It Up!: The First 30 Years of Ladysmith's Festival of Lights

Ladysmith's Festival of Lights is a highlight of the Christmas season on Vancouver Island. Created and maintained by community volunteers, it draws thousands of tourists to the small community on the fourth Thursday of November. As dusk descends, Santa Claus invites the crowd to a countdown before he switches on a dazzling display of lights. An ever-growing event, the Festival evening currently encompasses musicians, a brilliantly lit parade, a community dinner, a craft-show, and an awe-inspiring fireworks display. It wasn't always like this....