Through a thick haze of fog in the parking lot of Vernon’s Kal Tire Place, massive hot air balloons took turns lighting up the eyes of hundreds of Winter Carnival-goers Friday night.
The signature Balloon Glow event marked the start of the 64th Carnival on Feb. 2. The event was moved from Polson Park due to wet conditions, but aside from some parking shortages for those who didn’t arrive early, the event at the new location was a success.
The heavy fog had an entrancing effect of blanketing the balloons from view until one got close enough for them to emerge. The rhythmic sounds of the Vernon Girls Trumpet Band echoed throughout the Kin Race Track grounds while folks enjoyed food truck fare and took in the sights.
B.C. Premier David Eby was in town Friday to make significant health-care announcements, including a new psychiatry unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He took in the Balloon Glow, becoming the first premier in nearly 50 years to attend the Winter Carnival, according to his staff.
Saturday morning, Eby attended the VIP breakfast at the Vernon Recreation Centre, and at noon he is set to take part in the One-miler race/Winter Carnival Parade.
The parade — a favourite Winter Carnival event every year — begins at 12 p.m. at 43rd Avenue and travels southbound on 27th Street, westbound on 30th Avenue, northbound on 29th Street (past the train station), westbound on 32nd Avenue (past the Civic Plaza and the museum), northbound on 31st Street, eastbound on 39th Avenue for one block, then northbound on 29th Street where it will end on 29th Street at the double roundabouts.
Staff will be located at the intersection of 35th Avenue and 31st Street to let emergency vehicles cross.
Due to road closures around the downtown, Vernon Regional Transit Routes 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 60 will be temporarily affected.
Don’t miss out on any of the fun; visit vernonwintercarnival.com/events to see the full slate of events happening from now until Feb. 11.
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