The 23rd annual Festival of Northern Lights is off to a great start in Owen Sound.
A huge crowd gathered Friday night for the lighting of the seemingly endless line of lights along the river banks.
Live entertainment and fireworks were on hand leading up to the official flipping of the switch – to which the honour belonged to three local children who had won a colouring contest to be there.
The weather was fully cooperative as those in attendance sipped hot chocolate while they took the spectacular sights.
Organizer Susan McKee says while she would have liked to have seen some snow to add to the effect, she is thrilled with the turnout.
Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners was also on hand for the opening of the Festival of Northern Lights – for the last time as Mayor of Owen Sound.
Stanners says she will always be in attendance for the Festival whether she is Mayor or not.
She adds she is proud of the reputation the Festival has earned — saying she has met visitors from as far away as Australia who have attended the Festival.
