Officials are getting ready for the 24th season of Owen Sound’s Festival of Northern Lights.
The official opening of the festival happens Friday with opening ceremonies at 5:45 PM at Queens Park and then winners of last years colouring contest will turn the lights on at 7 PM.
Festival of Northern Lights Incorporated Board President Doug McKee made the launch official outside of Owen Sound City Hall on Tuesday.
McKee accepted a cheque for three thousand dollars from Bruce Powers’ Corporate Affairs Communications Specialist, Melanie Cooper.
Being that it’s the first year that the Festival of Northern Lights has been run as an arms length organization, McKee says its been a bit of a learning curve.
For the first time he says they had to obtain a permit for fireworks and make sure insurance was in place, things City Hall use to take care of.
As for preparations for Friday’s opening of the festival, McKee says the crew is doing tests this week on the lights, but adds they’re real close.
Next year, 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the festival of northern lights in Owen Sound.
