Christmas may be one month away, but the holidays are already in full swing in Vernon’s downtown core. The festivities kick off this Saturday with the 24th annual Light Up, which takes place in downtown Vernon between 5 and 8 p.m.
The official Light Up ceremony will be from 6:30-6:45.
With over 60 vendors along the 2900-3400 blocks of 30th Ave. and the 3400 block of Coldstream Ave., including children’s activities, food trucks and more, Dudley Coulter, events and promotions coordinator with the Downtown Vernon Association, says the magical event is perfect for all ages.
“It’s truly a Vernon staple,” Coulter said. “The Light Up will not disappoint in 2017.”
“We’ve got live entertainment, visits with Santa, food trucks, a bonfire, crafts, ornament decorating, a hockey shoot out to name a few,” he added.
The official tree is also in a new location this year planted at 30th Avenue and 35th Street near the west side of Nature’s Fare parking lot. The tree was planted over five years ago for this purpose, but only now is it tall enough to be crowned as the community’s official holiday tree.
“It’s a little shorter than usual at approximately 30 feet compared to the usual 40 feet,” Coulter explained.
“But we (the Downton Vernon Association) think this is a great way to promote an environmentally friendly downtown core and look forward to watching the tree grow with families for years to come.”
The main stage, visits with Santa, bonfire and ornament decorating will also be near the tree.
Many other activities, including food, musical entertainment and vendors will also be happening along 30th Ave.
The 2900 through 3300 blocks of 30th Ave., a portion of the 3400 block of Coldstream Ave. and a portion of the 2800 block of 35th St. will be closed to vehicle traffic from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday for the Light Up.
For a map and further details, visit downtownvernon.com/things-to-do/holiday-light-up.
Morning Star Staff
newstips@vernonmorningstar.com
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