We will have a lantern-making table for kids to make floating lanterns that will then be taken out by kayak and raft into the lake to light up the water. And also a face painter. Captain Ange from Pirate Chips Nanaimo will have her food truck at the park. We've received confirmation from Santa that he'll be making an appearance right before he gets prepared for his big Christmas night delivery of
gifts. As with anything Colliery Dams Park-related, this event seems to be bringing the community together, but we could use a little more help with activities. We are hoping to find performers. Perhaps someone who can play a bit of music - acoustic with singing or drumming or wind instruments. Or even other hidden or not so hidden talents. There will be a bin for non-perishable food donations for the Loaves and Fishes food bank and we'll be collecting donations to give to the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society's Youth Program. This truly is a community event. If you are interested in contributing your talents and/or volunteering, just drop us a line. Make sure to dress appropriately for the elements and bring a fold up chair as seating will be limited. Parking is also limited, but people can park on the street.
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Backgrounder:
In 2012, local artist Phil Ashbee created nearly 200 floating lanterns and released them on the lower lake during winter solstice. A small group of community members watched the beauty of the flickering lanterns as they glided across the lake. It felt magical, yet it felt like a loss. Because of what was going on politically, we were mourning as it looked like it would be the last December our lakes would be there. After a very lengthy, tiring back and forth between the city, council, community, engineering companies and the provincial Dam Safety Branch, the lakes were saved. In 2014, we had the first Winter Solstice Lantern Celebration which turned out over 200 attendees. Life got busy for organizers, but we're organising the 2017 community celebration at the lower dam on December 21.
