Penny power Salvation Army makes sure kids have a merry Christmas. Page A5
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Lighted boat parade brings in the season Community tradition continues Tim Collins News staff
As always, it’s the boats that are the signature attraction of the annual Sea of Lights parade. Thirty or so brightly decorated boats will twinkle their way along a parade route that sails past Cattle Point to arrive at Willows Beach at about 7:15 p.m. on the evening of Dec. 7. They then glide past Gyro Park before returning to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. The boats are led by the Oriole, the oldest and longest-serving commissioned ship in “It’s wonderful the Canadian Navy. It’s a to give the people spectacular sight and a perennial favourite for all of Victoria a free, of Victoria. family event that The whole thing is the initiative of the Royal everyone loves.” Victoria Yacht Club. - Tibbie Adams Yacht Club organizers stress that the Sea of Lights is a multi-faceted community event that owes its success, not just to Yacht Club members, but to a larger community partnership. The cause behind the event is important, parade coordinator Tibbie Adams said. “For me, I’m doing this for the Salvation Army and the Oak Bay Kiwanis. They’re both great organizations.” Both charitable organizations collect cash donations and the Salvation Army also accepts blankets and non-perishable food items at the three most popular viewing locations. “It’s wonderful to give the people of Victoria a free, family event that everyone loves,” Adams said. Oak Bay Kiwanis Club director Brian Beckett agrees. “Willows Beach is the best place to view the parade,” he said. The Kiwanis ensure viewing crowds at Willows Beach are treated to free hot chocolate and cookies. To further warm the spirit, it also lines up a group of talented carollers to set Christmas spirits ablaze as the community gathers around the giant beach bonfire, set and supervised by the Oak Bay Fire Department.
Brian Shorter decorates his boat Pampero with lights at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club as he prepares for the annual Sea of Lights Parade.
PLEASE SEE: Expect high-tech decorations, Page A13
Sharon Tiffin/News staff
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