Thousands gather in Victoria Park for Lighting of the Lights
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Mayor says high vaccine numbers and outdoor conditions made officials comfortable with Lighting of the Lights gathering.
It was a steady stream of people heading into Victoria Park over the dinner hour on Friday, and most filed to the bandshell for a little festive cheer.
The thousands on hand were also ready to add their voices to the Christmas tunes, adding an emphatic “hey” during the singing of “Jingle Bells.”
Just before 7 p.m., as the Doug Varty Band was singing, “When The Lights Come on at Christmas,” they flipped the switch and 75,000 lights filled the trees with colour.
There was a lighting of the lights last year but, deep in the throes of the pandemic, no crowds were allowed.
It was a disappointment for Amanda Angus and her family but they were happy to be back this year to resume a Christmas tradition.
"We used to come here when I was a kid,” she said. “We always came to lighting of the lights and went home and decorated the Christmas tree. So I thought it would be great to bring my daughter, and then my nephews are here. The whole family's here. It's a good time."
