WESTVILLE
The Westville Fire Department is hosting its 19th annual Parade of Lights on Dec. 2 to bring out the festive spirit in town.
After nearly two decades, the parade featuring many festive floats and the lighting of Westville’s Christmas tree has become something of a tradition for local families.
“As a fire department we usually meet people at the toughest times during fires or accidents. Our members do these events to give back to the community, to see the smiles and happiness it brings to young and old,” said parade chairperson Tom Steele in an email Tuesday.
Before the parade sets off from Spring Garden Road, Mayor Roger MacKay will light the town’s Christmas tree by the cenotaph on Main Street at 6:30 p.m.
The parade starts on Spring Garden Road at 7 p.m. and ends at the fire station on Queen Street. At 8 p.m. a fireworks show will begin at the south end of Acadia Park.
Steele said this new location will allow more people to watch and enjoy them.
After the fireworks, Santa will be at the Westville Miners Rink on Park Street to meet children and have them warming up with hot chocolate and treats. At the same time, Westville Recreation will be having a free family skate at the rink.
Those partaking in the parade can also win a trophy for various categories.
“Our department is well known for the events they organize in Westville on an annual basis,” said Steele, making mention of “the Kidsfest in June, the Canada Day celebrations on July 1, the Car and Truck Show and Shine in September, the annual food bank blitz in November plus the Christmas Parade in December.”
He said that more and more people sign up for the parade every year even as some have taken part ever since it began.
Anyone wishing to be in the parade can pick up an entry form from the Westville Town Office or email Steele at [email protected].
Entry forms will also be available from firefighters on Dec. 2 at the parade line-up area on Spring Garden Road.
All parade entries are subject to review by the parade committee and any deemed to be in bad taste will be refused entry.
