Despite a heavy snowfall on the morning of the event, the Christmas Light-Up Tour continued to be one of Tumbler Ridge’s most magical and well-supported holiday traditions.
This year, 19 homes originally signed up to participate in the residential Light-Up Tour, with three homes regrettably having to opt out prior to the event. Even with those changes, the neighbourhoods sparkled with festive cheer as homeowners put weeks, some even months, of planning into their displays. Many houses began decorating as early as November, with a noticeable flurry of last-minute activity in the days leading up to the tour. A few homes appeared to nearly double their lights just before judging; perhaps a clever part of their strategy!
Adding to the festive spirit, 111 Commercial Crescent entered into this year’s contest, an indication that might suggest the addition of a “Best Business” category in future years.
Following the significant snowfall, organizers had concerns about road conditions. However, District of Tumbler Ridge Public Works crews were out early and worked diligently to clear the roads, ensuring safe travel for participants and visitors alike. Their efforts played a crucial role in the event’s success.
A tremendous amount of coordination goes into the Light-Up Tour each year. 242 Brew handled the logistics of ordering and cooking hamburgers, cookies, and hot chocolate, while the Trend Mountain Hotel & Conference Centre supplied cups and hot chocolate and served as the first point of contact for attendees. Guests received maps and voting cards there and returned them at the end of the tour.
The District of Tumbler Ridge contributed by sourcing, organizing, and putting together children’s craft kits, which were handed out the night of the event. TR Days Society kindly lent carafes for hot chocolate, allowing volunteers to prepare large batches in advance rather than continuously making it throughout the evening.
As with most events, there were a few unexpected challenges. Organizers initially planned for 320 cups of hot chocolate, which ran out in less than 20 minutes. Thankfully, Darryl Krakowka of Freshmart stepped away from his own Christmas party to help secure additional supplies, allowing everyone to continue enjoying a warm drink while touring the beautifully decorated homes.
In total, over 130 carloads of visitors returned voting cards, with an estimated 350-400 people passing through the Trend Mountain Hotel & Conference Centre during the event.
When the votes were tallied, 199 Peace River Crescent took home first place, while 116 Spieker Avenue was consistently ranked in the top three and earned second place. 447 Bergeron Drive rounded out the podium in third place. Organizers noted that feedback this year suggested it was especially difficult to choose a winner, as so many homes were exceptionally well decorated. Two honourable mentions were also awarded to homes that regularly received first-, second-, or third-place nominations.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the many volunteers who made the night possible: Bryce and Joanne Kirby and Karla Schraeder for preparing delicious burgers; Lindsey McQueen and Michelle Chisholm for running the craft station; Cassandra Trudel for distributing maps and voting cards; and the volunteers serving food and beverages: Ashley Pindera, Sheena Lundgard, Sam Hill, Kristen Holmlund, Jolene Couture, Manda Maggs, and Ryan Lamming.
Thank you as well to everyone who came out to support this beloved community tradition. Sponsored by Conuma Coal, your attendance helped make the Christmas Light-Up Tour another truly magical year in Tumbler Ridge.
