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 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 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 at the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre, and skating at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre.

Saturday evening brings the climax of the whole of Winterfest with the Sailpast. Commercial and pleasure vessel operators 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 hugh 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.