Castlegar is ready to kick off the most wonderful time of the year with Winterfest Friday night.
The annual celebration and parade of lights will take place downtown at Spirit Square in front of City Hall beginning at 5 p.m.
The event will kick off with performances by local dancers from Arrow Dance Studio and Scottie’s School of Highland Dance.
Local songstress Nina Amelio will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. to perform Christmas songs and some of her own music.
The Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. along Columbia Avenue. Floats will circle the route twice, so if you missed a few don’t worry — Santa Clause will rock around the Christmas tree twice.
Once the parade is over the city’s giant tree will be lit up and Santa will be available to hear the requests of kids from one to 92.
Nina Amelio will perform again at 6:30 p.m.
The Castlegar Lions Club has teamed up with Castlegar Hospice and Columbia Power to sell hamburgers and hot dogs during the event.
Other features of the festivities include a photo booth and fire barrels to warm up cold hands if the weather outside is frightful.
Columbia Avenue will be closed between 2nd Street and 6th Street between 5 and 9 p.m. to accommodate Winterfest.