'Twas the Kick Off before Christmas

And all through downtown Duncan, families gathered for pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, fireworks, horse-drawn carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, and more seasonal joy!

Fireworks finale! Photo by Drew Munoz.

This past Friday, November 29th 2019, the dowtown Duncan business community put on the annual Light Up event to kick off the holiday season. This celebration brought together families and friends for live music, hot food, cute mascots, and more community fun.

Ho, ho, ho, Santa is here! Photo by Ian Locke, CNCLV

This event would not be possible without the spirit of giving displayed by merchants like Station Street Cafe, which provided Downtown Duncan's volunteers with delicious hot chilli. A huge shout-out is also due to Cowichan Tribes Social Development office, which helped the BIA find some wonderful volunteers whose hard work made a huge difference to us!

BIG thank you to Station Street Cafe for their thoughtful contribution of delicious hot chilli for volunteers. Photo by Ian Locke, CNCLV

Non-profit organizations like Island Savings, the Clements Centre Society and St. John's Ambulance were on hand with hot chocolate, cookies and more goodies to give out to the festive crowd, while merchants like Station Street Cafe sold hot dogs, and Outlooks for Men had some cranberry bliss and nanaimo bars on hand to share with patrons.

Clements Centre handed out oatmeal and other cookies, yum! Photo by Ian Locke, CNCLV

As in past years, the Smiley Family Band was on hand as Santa's Helpers. Queen Margaret's School String Orchestra and Adrian Chalifour graced the community stage with some Christmas tunes too, and Carlson's School of Dance put on a lovely dance presentation.

Santa's Helpers Band put on a wonderful show! Photo by Ian Locke, CNCLV

Cowichan-Malahat-Langford's MP Alistair MacGregor and Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples were present to welcome Cowichan to the event as well. The evening was wrapped up with a stunning fireworks show by Celebrations set to classic Christmas music.

Truly special fireworks by Celebrations. Photo by Ian Locke, CNCLV

The Downtown Duncan BIA would like to extend special thanks to Wishes' Jacquie Braun for ensuring that roasted chestnuts were available free of charge to event attendees as well.

Mmmm, roasted chestnuts! Photo by Ian Locke, CNCLV

Most of all, the Downtown Duncan BIA would like to deliver a BIG shout out to the all downtown merchants, non-profits, and event attendees who made this event a truly special start to the holiday season!

The crowds turned out in full force. Thank you Duncan! Photo by Ian Locke, CNCLV

Don't forget to come downtown for your holiday shopping - there are 300+ shops to choose from this season!