There's no surer sign that the Vernon Winter Carnival has started than the ever popular Balloon Glow.
The annual event that lights up the night sky took place at Kal Tire Place North from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, and thousands bundled up and came out to see the handful of hot air balloons illuminate.
People could be seen huddled around the balloons for warmth and an up-close look at the balloon pilots sending flames into the air.
It was a family affair featuring a games corner, food trucks and vendor market with about vendors.
The Balloon Glow is the kick-off event for Winter Carnival each year. Carnival treasurer Boris Ivanoff said excitement for Winter Carnival events seems to get stronger each year.
"The community spirit has been tremendous, the children are all laughing, it's like back in the day when families were actually out together and enjoying family time," Ivanoff said.
By 6 p.m. the Balloon Glow had already seen 6,000 visitors with two hours left in the event's run time.
Don Larson was taking in the balloon Glow on Friday night. He's been going to Winter Carnival events for years and two years ago, managed to attend at least one event on every day of the Carnival.
"I think it's excellent for the community, for everyone to come out and show support for the town of Vernon," Larson said.
Larson said his favourite part of Winter Carnival is the ice carving up at SilverStar Mountain Resort. While a lack of snow this winter has cancelled the B.C. Snow Sculpture Competition again this year, ice carving is instead taking place, featuring Tyler Welfing of CarvWel Creations. Welfing, joined by Shea Larkin, will be carving five ice blocks in 48 hours, ending Feb. 9 up at SilverStar.
The fun is only just beginning. Next up is the 64th annual Winter Carnival Parade, which starts at 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. The parade route has been changed this year and will go down 27th Street only, from 45th Avenue to 32nd Avenue.
This year's Winter Carnival theme is Back to the '80s. The festivities run until Feb. 16. For more information, visit vernonwintercarnival.com.
