There’s nothing like a small town getting lit up in the night as people start to get into the holiday spirit.

In Summerland, that happens every year at the end of November and this year will be no different as the town celebrates its 32nd-annual Festival of Lights. 

This year, the event will take place on Friday, Nov. 29 from 4 pm until 9 pm, officially kicking off the holiday season.

Photo Credit: Facebook

“Having grown up in Summerland, then returning to raise my two sons, I have attended many Festival of Lights celebrations,” says current mayor Toni Boot. 

“Some Festivals have seen bone-chilling temperatures, while others have enjoyed relatively mild weather. For me, a light snow always adds an extra touch of magical perfection to the event.”

The holiday tradition was founded by four local businessmen, Jerry Hallquist, Bruce Hallquist, Art Sewell and Allan Fabbri and it was the only festival of its kind in the Okanagan at the time.

To get things started, the Festival of Lights committee sold strings of Christmas lights to every merchant and building in the downtown area, resulting in about 25,000 lights shining bright.

Photo Credit: NowMedia

“Festival of Lights was an instant success with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in attendance for the first event”, Bruce Hallquist recalls.

”It continues to thrive today and is not only a premier holiday event for Summerland, but for the entire Okanagan.”

This year, around 12,000 to 14,000 people are expected to attend the popular event.

For more information on the annual light up, click this link or visit the Summerland Festival of Lights Facebook page.