Standing on the shoreline watching a flotilla of brightly coloured carol ships parade past Panorama Park in Deep Cove is a longtime tradition for local residents. "(It's) unbelievable, it's so cool," says Roger Williams, a Deep Cove Yacht Club member, who looks forward to the carol ship festivities that take place in mid-December.
A number of boaters belonging to the Deep Cove Yacht Club join in the flotilla's formation as they trace their way through the cove and up to the Woodlands neighbourhood.
"They go from largest to smallest," explains Williams, adding some people put a lot of effort into decking their boats with holiday lights.
Williams remembers one carol ship in particular from a past event that was adorned with a Santa Claus and a dolphin. The twinkling Christmas lights that stretch to the top of the sails cast a holiday glow on the water.
Many Deep Cove waterfront residents enjoy a front-row view of the carol ships from their decks, while others huddle around the annual bonfire at Panorama Park and watch the boats sail by.
This holiday season the carol ships are coming to the cove on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
At Panorama Park people can enjoy a festive evening filled with musical entertainment, roving performers, free craft workshops, the blazing bonfire and, of course, the beautiful lights. Santa himself might even stop by.
"It's a great little community event," said Williams.
