What began as a modest Christmas lighting display at a Belleville home, in honour of a son and his best friend, has become a bright and joyous celebration over the years.
Belleville Mayor Panciuk plugs in a plethora of Christmas lighting displays at the launch of the 60th anniversary of the Belleville Festival of Lights Friday November 15/19. Directly behind the Mayor is councillor Pat Culhane. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Around 3,000 people, young and old, packed Jane Forrester Park near the bayshore Friday night for the 60th anniversary of the Belleville Festival of Lights.
Big crowd grows previous to the Christmas light display being turned on. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
What was known as the Foster Family Christmas Display was moved from the east end to the park near Meyers Pier 9 years ago and it’s grown bigger each year.
The display began 60 years ago in honour of Billy Foster and his friend Art “Sonny” Culloden who had died in a tragic Christmas Eve crash in 1958.
Members of both the Foster and Culloden families were on hand for the 60th anniversary celebrations, as were Santa and Mrs. Claus.
It is said that Mrs. Claus is a relative of the Cullodens.
(Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Entertaining at the launch were DJ Scotty Lalonde of Deja vU Entertainment and CJBQ’s own Freddy Vette. Aircraft from 8 Wing Trenton performed a flypast and there was a fabulous fireworks display from Freestone Point in the park.
CJBQ’s Freddy Vette (left) belts out a rockin’ Christmas song. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
City councillor and Quinte Broadcasting Program Director Sean Kelly was the emcee and both he and Mayor Mitch Panciuk stressed that the Festival of Lights was a lot of work and it couldn’t have been done without a lot of hardworking and dedicated volunteers.
City councillor, MIX97 morning show host and Quinte Broadcasting Program Director Sean Kelly (left) and Mayor Mitch Panciuk. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Meanwhile, the Belleville Festival of Lights will feature live entertainment free of charge every Friday evening through December 20.
Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
(Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
(Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
A city truck with plow hooked up has never looked so good! (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
(Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Mother and daughter enjoy fresh air and good tunes at the Festival of Lights launch. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
