A festive forest will take root in the heart of Lynn Valley once again this year.
Organized by volunteers from the Lynn Valley Community Association, the seventh annual Lynn Valley Christmas Parade of Trees launches this Sunday with the Grand Lighting Ceremony. More than 60 trees decorated by local businesses and schools will add some holiday cheer to Lynn Valley Village.
“They’re usually quite unique,” says community association president Gillian Konst, who notes that merchants often choose tree themes around their business. “We encourage people to get creative because the public votes for their favourite tree.”
A plaque (and bragging rights) goes to the best-trimmed school tree and the best-trimmed business tree, as voted by residents.
New this year, a lantern parade will wind through the urban forest, lighting the way for North Vancouver District Mayor Richard Walton and North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite to hit the big button that turns on all the lights.
Karen Magnussen Community Recreation Centre has already hosted two lantern-making workshops in advance of the parade. Another workshop will take place on the day of the Grand Lighting Ceremony, at 4 p.m. in the Lynn Valley Community Room, so residents can bring their own glowing creations and join in the procession.
“That makes it meaningful to the kids too; they’re actually using the lanterns that they’ve made,” says Konst.
The lights and lanterns make for a merry spectacle, but Konst notes the annual event is “more than just the trees and the decorating.”
Fifty dollars from the sponsorship of each tree is being donated to The Harvest Project. And, at the lighting ceremony, people are invited to bring a toy or gift card suitable for youth to donate to the Lynn Valley Legion’s toy drive.
“The idea is we’re trying to bring magic together – make it more of an event that brings community together,” Konst says.
The light-up event takes place Sunday, Dec. 3 from 4:30-6 p.m. at Lynn Valley Village and will feature family-friendly activities, live music and a visit from “a very special guest.” Visit lvca.ca for more details.
People interested in the lantern-making workshop can register at nvrc.ca.
Lynn Valley Community Room
