The grand evergreen awaits Santa to light up the downtown core with bright colourful lights.
Jeff Serran remembers playing Christmas music in a band in North Bay’s downtown long ago. He was only eight years old at the time, playing with the Salvation Army Band. Now, still full of the Christmas spirit, he’s excited to help people join in with this year’s Downtown Christmas Walk set for tonight.
The highlight for him is lighting up North Bay’s Christmas tree. ”The lighting of the tree is a huge event for everyone with Santa and Mrs. Clause down here."
As the Executive Director of the Downtown Im
provement Area, Serran has been organizing the old-fashioned walk for 10 years. He is full of joy that the 2014 downtown event is finally here.
“Historically the merchants of North Bay always gave back to the community with a special Christmas event. And the citizens come out no matter what the weather is.” Clear skies are forecast making for a pleasant night ahead.
Serran points out that the walk is important for building community. He gave kudos to Rick Vezina of Gateway Signs for keeping a fun event in the roster. Vezina stepped forward to offer bucket rides when North Bay Hydro couldn’t do it this year.
Serran says there are many more events from one end of the core to the other with something for everyone. "We have marshmallow roasting pits, carollers, a horse and wagon team is offering rides, Santa's reindeer are visiting early and there’s even a snowboarding competition in front of Cheapskates.”
Even though he is the conductor of the event, Serran gives kudos to DIA intern Malorie Chaput for helping to organize the walk. The pair will enjoy welcoming the expected 10,000 walkers downtown. Serran wants everyone to have fun getting in the spirit of community while starting North Bay’s holiday season.
The fun times commence at 6 pm and last till 9 pm.
