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Festivities and festivals - a bright tradition
From the last Thursday of November until the second Sunday in January, Ladysmith is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights for Ladysmith’s Festival of Lights.
The Festival was started in 1987 by a group of citizens as a way to celebrate the season and support local shopping. Now, years later, it has become a much-loved Christmas tradition -- near and far with thousands of people gathering to watch the fun. The Christmas Craft Fair at Aggie Hall opens at 3 p.m., then from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., locals and visitors can enjoy the street entertainment, food concessions and performers. Anticipation runs high until the big moment when Santa arrives downtown and throws the switch to light up Ladysmith at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Kinsmen night parade.
After the parade, head north on First Avenue and see the lightup of Bob Stuart Park, the Aggie Hall and the Chuck Perrin tree. The evening ends with a bang, a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by the Ladysmith & District Credit Union. While the lights may be dazzling, it’s truly the community spirit that lights up the town.
The main summer festival is Ladysmith Celebrations Days, a weekend of fun and music at Transfer Beach. Other notable events include Brits on the Beach, Ladysmith’s Show and Shine, and Arts on the Avenue, as well as Sunday Concerts in the Park.
Check Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce calendar for upcoming events and you will be entertained.
