The Christmas season kicks into high gear this weekend with a pair of parades:
? If somebody in your family loves big trucks, Island Equipment Owners Association's Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive on Saturday shouldn't be missed.
A convoy of 80 festively decorated commercial trucks will ride through the streets of the Capital region with a goal of collecting non-perishable food items for local food banks.
This is the 14th year of the event.
The Truck Light Convoy starts to roll at Ogden Point at 5: 45 p.m. The route takes the trucks to Oak Bay, into Victoria and out to West Shore communities, arriving at Western Speedway between 8: 15 and 8: 30 p.m.
The convoy can't stop, so specially designated drop-off sites will be set up along the route to collect food items. The event benefits the Mustard Seed Food Bank, the West Shore Service Clubs Christmas Hamper Funds Society and the Sidney Lions Food Bank.
Admission at Western Speedway is by non-perishable food item or cash donation.
Coffee, hot chocolate and hot dogs will be available by donation. Santa will arrive in a decorated truck. For more information or food collection locations, go to ieoa.ca.
? The 23rd annual Lighted Ship Parade follows immediately after the last of the colourful big rigs.
Hosted by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, the Lighted Ship Parade features boats of all sizes.
The causeway marina will be illuminated by moored boats, while others sail through the Inner Harbour festooned with festive lights.
This is a family event, with Christmas carols sung by the Glenlyon Norfolk School choir, hot chocolate by donation and free candy canes.
Santa Claus will also make an appearance at a special edition of the night market, open from 5 to 9 p.m., at Ship Point.
Admission is by a suggested $2 donation and/or new or gently used coats/jackets, socks, blankets, towels and personal hygiene products. All proceeds benefit the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
The event starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour. For more information, go to victoriaharbour.org.
