The upcoming Festival of Lights is one of the cultural attributes of our community that was mentioned many times at the Conversation Cafe held in September.
For culture is more than just the visible signs of art (paintings, murals, sculptures, etc), but includes those activities that reinforce a sense of place and community.
Friday, Nov. 29 will be the 26th anniversary of Summerland’s Festival of Lights and this event, has become synonymous as the official start to the holiday season around the Okanagan Valley.
Light Up, as it is often called, is a wonderful opportunity for Summerlanders to celebrate and meet up with friends.
It is also the perfect time to check out local art in time for Christmas.
The Summerland Pleasure Painters will again be holding a show and sale beginning on Friday at 10 a.m. and continuing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
So drop by 10122 Main St. to check out their various paintings and unique Christmas gifts.
And at the other end of Main Street, after you pass (and stop to observe) the ice sculptures, you will find Seasons Sparkles — The 12 Gifts of Christmas Sale at the Summerland Art Gallery.
Seasons Sparkles will feature paintings, fibre art, pottery, jewellery, cards, home decor, original hand made gift items and more.
Drop in and warm up on Light Up Night with a cup of free hot apple cider.
There will also be a Children’s Activity Table on Friday night.
Speaking of kids, some of the great attractions of the Festival of Lights are the different activities located throughout downtown along Main Street and Victoria Road for children.
This year there is an additional venue on Henry Ave as Summerland United Church offers various activities for kids as well as a spot to grab a bite to eat.
And for mothers who need a moment of quiet, they will have a restful respite area.
The theme for this year’s Festival of Lights is Carnival.
There will be traditional children’s games, street performers, and food from around the world, something for the entire family.
So join the celebration, kick-off the Christmas season, enjoy the fireworks and participate in a festival that adds to the joie de vivre of Summerland.
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If you know of an event you feel should be included in the Arts Palette or on the Arts Council’s online calendar, please email artspalette@summerlandarts.com or call 250-404-3225.
The SCAC online Event Calendar is on the News page of summerlandarts.com. Additional information can be found at facebook.com/SummerlandArts.
Keep up with current news by following @artspalette.
The Arts Palette is written by David Finnis, Publicity Chair and President of the Summerland Community Arts Council, P.O. Box 1217, 9533 Main St., Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0.