The winter night will light up along the Rotary Arts District this Saturday, Dec. 1 during Light Up Your HeART, a new event for the Alberni Valley.
That night at 5 p.m. Rollin Art Centre, local businesses and decorations at Harbour Quay will simultaneously light up the darkness for the holiday season and into the new year.
Rollin Art Centre, Uptown Merchants, Rotary Arts District, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and the City of Port Alberni are combining forces to make the evening magical.
At Rollin Art Centre, arts administrator Melissa Martin says they are “creating an evening of beauty and wonder by celebrating the global symbol of peace and hope: light”. More than 500 lanterns made by local school children, a light labyrinth and imaginative light sculptures will brighten the gardens at the centre.
Timbre! Choir will provide a musical backdrop, Santa will stop in for a visit and local artisans will display their work under a tent on the terrace.
“I am also looking for roaming carolers or any musicians/entertainers who would like to take part,” said Martin. “Either perform in the gazebo, or roam the gardens or Argyle Street.” Festivities start at 3 p.m.
Also at the Rollin Art Centre, the entries for the Rotary Arts District photo contest will be on display and the winners will be announced.
Merchants in the Uptown area have committed to staying open until 7 p.m. Down at Harbour Quay, boaters have been invited to decorate their boats and sail around the Quay from 5–7 p.m.