Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Town of Peace River residents and visitors to the community are eagerly waiting for the annual Light Up the Park, set to take place on Nov. 29.
Light Up the Park has become a much-anticipated event in the community, and Peace River’s recreation programmer Taylor Bak says Riverfront Park will be the place to be on Nov. 29 from 7-8 p.m.
“Light Up the Park is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” says Bak.
“We have the lighting up of the Christmas decorations around the park, free hotdogs and hot chocolate, Christmas music, goodie bags, and a show of fireworks.”
The event draws in huge crowds from throughout the region and is a chance for people to get together and spread Christmas cheer.
“We are hoping to highlight a local organization to cook the hotdogs, along with the help of the Peace River Fire Department,” she says.
“This program has been running as long as I can remember, and I used to attend it when I was a kid. There is something magical about the Christmas lights and the community coming together.”
Bak says last year there were approximately 1,500 people at Riverfront Park, but many more watched the fireworks from their homes to get in the festive spirit.
“Mayor (Elaine) Manzer and members of Town of Peace River’s council will be there to wish our community a Happy Holiday Season, a land acknowledgement, and do the countdown to the lights flipping on,” Bak notes.
“Following Light Up the Park, the (Peace River) Chamber of Commerce is organizing Moonlight Madness for Black Friday. We are encouraging community members to check out the local shops that will be staying open late in the downtown area.”
Bak says although Light Up the Park is only an hour, the Christmas lights at Riverfront Park will stay on until the new year.
“So, if crowds aren’t your thing, feel free to take in the scenery for the entire month of December at your own pace,” she says.
“I may be biased, but I think Peace River is magical during the holiday season. The Christmas lights all throughout the valley are truly postcard worthy.”
Bak says the event is free and she hopes people from the community come out with their families, friends and acquaintances to join in the fun.
“This event is an opportunity for everyone to experience that sense of magic, community, and festivities together,” Bak says.
“I spoke with a family that told me they make a two-hour drive every year to experience Light Up the Park and Moonlight Madness.”