Holiday events return to Vancouver Island after last year's pandemic cancellations
The festive season is in full swing on Vancouver Island, after many holiday events were cancelled last year.
On Thursday night, the Town of Ladysmith illuminated its downtown strip with thousands of colorful lights. Christmas decorations are on full display at many island homes, and the festivities continued on Friday night in Oak Bay with the Sea of Lights Lighted Ship Parade.
Eleven decorated vessels sailed past Cattle Point, Willows Beach and Gyro Park before returning to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
“Everybody’s really happy about it because we’re outside, we’re safe and we’re comfortable, and it gives us an opportunity to help the community and give others in the community an outing, when there haven’t been many lately,” said Sea of Lights event coordinator Andrew McBride.
On Saturday evening, the largest and longest winter parade on the island is set to roll out from Ogden Point at 5:45 p.m., with a convoy of 80 commercial vehicles making its way to the West Shore.
“We go through Oak Bay, downtown, past the hospital into Colwood and Langford and we end up at West Shore Speedway,” said Always Towing co-owner Cheryl Parker.
Always Towing has sponsored the Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy for several years now. It’s a special event for the family behind the business.
"My father, we lost him 9 years ago, but my dad’s last ride was in the passenger seat in the convoy,” said Parker.
“So for me, the joy is doing this in honour of my father as well as helping out people at this time of year and the smiles on people’s faces"
The truck light convoy is also a fundraiser for several South Island food banks. Donations can be made on the IEOA website, which also includes a live parade route tracking feature.
"There’s so many places for people to park and watch instead of having to be in a whole group," Parker said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.