The Ladner Business Association is starting a festive tradition this year with its first-ever Christmas Tree Festival.
"We wanted to create a real family-oriented festival," said organizer Jill McKnight.
The new festival, which takes place tomorrow night, is replacing the annual tree lighting and children's parade, which usually precede the arrival of the carol ships.
And while the festival includes many new elements, it also incorporates some long-standing Ladner Christmas traditions, like the lighting of the tree at the corner of 48th Avenue and Delta Street.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. and running until 7:30 p.m., two blocks of 48th Avenue and Delta Street will be closed to traffic as the spirit of Christmas takes over the heart of Ladner Village.
Residents are invited to come out, stroll the street and enjoy the free family-oriented festival.
Singer Tony Barton and his Jingle Belles will perform festive favourites on stage at 48th Avenue and Delta Street, and choirs from Delta Secondary and the Delta Community Music School will wander the streets serenading the crowds with Christmas carols.
McKnight said there will be tables set up along the street featuring festive crafts and gingerbread cookie decorating. Residents will also have the chance to vote on their favourite gingerbread creation by a local business and children will have an opportunity to mail their letters to Santa with a special mailbox that will be set up just for the Christmas Tree Festival.
There will also be many festive quilts on display along the two streets.
"We've really tried to make it something for everyone," McKnight said.
The LBA will have a concession stand set up with food and refreshments for sale.
The annual lighting of the tree at 48th and Delta Street will take place at about 7:15 p.m.
