For the first time in three years, Prince George was able to gather at Canada Games Plaza once again and celebrate the start of the holiday season.
The 27th annual Civic Light Up saw a large crowd brave the cold and gather in the Plaza for hot chocolate, entertainment and street hockey with the Prince George Spruce Kings before the Tree of Lights was lit and the fireworks began.
The public also had the chance to check out and warm up at the Festival of Trees which is happening at the Civic and Conference Centre running from Dec. 1-4.
The UHNBC drummers began the Civic Light Up with a land acknowledgment and performance of the Grandmother’s Song, Spirit Bear Song and Swirling River Water Song.
“It’s a perfect night it’s even starting to snow a little bit so tonight is going to be a lot of fun,” said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.
“It’s a great season but we have to remember that it’s a season where sometimes people are sad and lonely and sometimes, they need a little bit of extra help,” added Bond.
“As we get ready for our Christmas celebrations let's think about those people who might need an extra hand and let’s check on our neighbours and those we care about.”
Judy Russell’s Enchainment Dancers then took the stage for a captivating performance before Acting Mayor Trudy Klassen thanked the crowd for coming.
The evening ended with children joining Santa Claus himself on the stage to sing Jingle Bells as the crowd counted down to the light up and the fireworks.
