Switching on the lights

Journal Staff It’s time to banish the dark, Sarnia. The Celebration of Lights returns Friday night with a free, family-friendly opening ceremonies in Centennial Park, near the foot of London Road. Things get underway at 6:30 p.m.

Journal Staff

It’s time to banish the dark, Sarnia.

The Celebration of Lights returns Friday night with a free, family-friendly opening ceremonies in Centennial Park, near the foot of London Road.

Things get underway at 6:30 p.m. with a live nativity scene, music by the Sarnia Evangelical Fellowship, food and horse-drawn trolley rides.

Santa himself flips the switch at 8 p.m., illuminating the park and its seasonal displays with the glow from about 600,000 lights, followed by a booming fireworks display at 8:15 p.m.

People are asked to dress warmly and bring a chair.

The Celebration of Lights has been a local tradition that brings people together since 1984 when it was launched by a group of volunteers and 650 lights.

The event is still organized by a volunteer board that relies on donations, goodwill and numerous sponsors, including TransAlta and Bluewater Power, which supports a home lighting competition.

To help cover costs a fundraising event is planned for Nov. 28 at the Dante Club featuring a turkey dinner, stand-up comedian Jason Cooper and music by Dawg House.

Tickets, $55, available at My Secret Garden or call 519-542-3301.