prince_rupert_special_events

This two day event takes place annually on the first weekend of
December. It kicks off with throngs of people coming out to
participate in the the Lighting of the Trees at the Court House on
Friday evening. Local choirs, musicians and bands sing
Christmas carols while everyone munches on cookies and candy
canes, washed down with steaming hot chocolate, all supplied for
free by local sponsors.

Saturday is a special day for the children. The day starts with a
traditional pancake breakfast with Santa at the Masonic Hall, and
is followed by the Santa Claus Parade through downtown Prince
Rupert. The parade ends at the Overwaitea Foods parking lot,
where children have the opportunity to meet with Santa. In the
afternoon they can go swimming and skating at the Jim Ciccone
Civic Centre.

Saturday evening brings the climax of the whole of Winterfest, with
the Sailpast. Local vessel owners decorate their boats with
Christmas lights and themes, and parade their vessels up and
down the harbour with Christmas music playing. As the boats
parade by they are judged by a panel of local judges, who have
the tough task of choosing the best decorated boats that will
emerge as the winners of Sailpast. The hub for watching Sailpast
is at the Waterfront Rotary Park where a huge bonfire burns to
brighten up the evening and keep everyone warm.

Hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies, which are sponsored by
local businesses, are provided for free in keeping with the spirit of
the season, and to add to the festivities.