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Navy Holiday Tradition Approaching

The 19th Annual Navy Lighting Contest is now less than one week away.  This display of festive lighting will occur at CFB Esquimalt nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. December 14 to 24.  This 11-night contest challenges six ships and 12 buildings against each other in an effort to impress visitors, but with the real aim of helping out the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the record number of creative and fun lighting arrangements throughout Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Esquimalt.  Arriving at the main entrance of Naden on Admirals Road, visitors may park for free in the lot immediately to the right of the commissionaire security station and board shuttle buses, which leave continually throughout the three-hour period each night.  Adult visitors to the Dockyard are requested to bring photo identification.  Holiday carols will be playing and hot chocolate will be on sale for visitors who have come to see the displays.

“It is comforting to see many Greater Victoria families return year after year, making this a part of their holiday routine,” said Commander of CFB Esquimalt, Capt(N) Mike Williamson.  “With the ever-increasing demands faced by the Mustard Seed, it is very satisfying to know our event will do a little bit to help those in need.” 

Admission is by donation of cash or non-perishable food items to the Mustard Seed, who will be on site throughout the contest.  The Greater Victoria community is invited to come vote for the best decorated ship and building while supporting the Mustard Seed’s efforts to help the less fortunate during the holiday season.  Last year, the Navy Lighting Contest raised nearly $29,000 in cash and food for the Mustard Seed.

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