Candlelight Parade

MISSION RECORD - After months of planning a drive-through parade to replace the annual Mission Candlelight Parade through the downtown core, the parade task-force has been forced to pivot once again. Due to ever-increasing numbers of positive COVID-19 tests, Fraser Health advised the committee that drive-through events are included in the most recent Public Health Order. The sold-out event was immediately canceled and a new event was created to take its place.

The new event will be a virtual, albeit a scaled-down version, of the original concept that will be available for online viewing closer to the Christmas weekend.

The Chamber Team and dedicated parade partners will be embarking on a whirl-wind journey of capturing the light displays on video over the next few weeks which will include a special appearance and storytime with Santa himself.

“The team and task force had worked so hard to bring a safe, non-virtual event to the community, it was hard to let it go. We do understand the decision behind it and are now working even harder to create something special for the community,” explained Jo-Anne Chadwick, executive director Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. Partial proceeds from the event were to be donated to the local food banks so the option will be given to ticket-holders to receive refunds or have the money redirected to the local charitable organizations.

To date, many people opted to have the ticket cost donated to the cause, so St. Josephs Food Bank and the Mission Christmas Bureau will still receive the much-needed boost from the non-event, event.

When and where can I see the Virtual Candlelight Parade and Santa Experience?

The best way to stay up-to-date with the Mission Candlelight Parade any year is to follow the aptly named page on Facebook. The current information is also shared on the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce website and social media channels as well. The video will be available on the Chamber website, social media channels and a link will be sent to all of the original ticket holders.

“This year the video will also be shared through our media partner the Mission Record.”

“This year has been a challenge and we hope that the efforts from the many partners that come together to put this together bring some light to the community at large,” said Chadwick.

Organizer want to thanks presenting sponsor Canadian Tire Mission and Santa’s stage sponsor Manny Deol and Jag Cheema.