A festive parade was the perfect precursor to the ceremonial opening of Kingsville’s Fantasy of Lights in a packed pavilion at Kingsville’s Lakeside Park. Christmas characters, hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, and some holiday songs from Merissa Gleason set the scene for the flipping of the switch.
Making a grand entrance to the delight of the many children in attendance, Santa made his way through the crowd to lift the switch to its on position, and with it, lit up the entire park.
Fantasy of Lights, which also includes the displays at Cottam’s Rotary Park, runs until the first week of January and is just one of many events for families as Christmas approaches. Rides on the Kingsville Express are offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, a 12-concert series hits the park’s pavilion over the next two months, an intergenerational tea event is planned for November 29 at the Gosfield Communications Community Centre, Paws and Claus is at the park on December 2, a 29-vendor Fantasy of Lights Market takes place on December 6 and 7, and three sessions of Breakfast with Santa will be held on December 13.
Wrapping up the holiday slate is free public skating and crafts at the Kingsville Arena on December 31, followed by a 7 pm fireworks show that is once again being sponsored by SK Cornerstone.
The kids made a tight circle around Santa as he flipped the switch to officially open up the Fantasy of Lights at Lakeside Park.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Light displays at Kingsville’s Lakeside Park.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
