Oak Bay’s 17th annual Light Up kicked off the holiday season Sunday with games, music, Santa, and a downpour of rain on spirits that refused to be dampened by it. Singing and laughter echoed down the avenue as drenched crowds danced in the rain. The water did eventually force the live music to end in light of safety, but only after a great evening of celebration.
Kids craft stations, games and activities filled Oak Bay Avenue alongside a variety of street food including the longstanding tradition of roasted chestnuts outside Ottavio Italian Bakery. Paul Kilshaw, in another lengthy tradition, added magic and balloon twisting to the affair while Theatre SKAM shared much-loved Christmas stories in their Pop Up Theatre.
The lights went on at 5 p.m. followed by Santa Claus riding into the village on an Oak Bay fire truck. He hung around for photos afterward by donation benefitting the fire department’s purchase of nonessential equipment.
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