Port de Grave going bigger and brighter for 25th anniversary of Christmas boat lighting
The picturesque community of Port de Grave is hoping a little extra shine will not only bring in more visitors this Christmas season, but keep them in the town a little longer.
The fishing village on the north side of Newfoundland's Conception Bay has decided to build a festival around the 25th anniversary of its Christmas boat-decorating tradition, with a wide range of events anchored by its annual boat lighting on Friday.
Locals say the tradition began when fisherman Eric Lear hung lights on his boat in the early 1990s. It took a few years to catch on, and became a community event in 1998.
"We all enjoy it," said Eric's nephew, Ivan Lear, who took over the fishing enterprise that belonged to his father and uncle. "Most people enjoy the boat lighting, and sharing joy and Christmas cheer every year throughout the season."
The community tradition caught on in a big way during the COVID-19 pandemic, when indoor gatherings were limited at Christmas in 2021 and 2022.
"There was traffic backed up. I mean, it took you an hour and a half to get from Bay Roberts, and it normally takes 15 minutes," Lear said.
To celebrate 25 years, the community has launched "Christmas on the Peninsula," a festival of lights throughout December. The festivities kicked off Wednesday with the lighting of the memorial Christmas tree and the town's famous crab pot tree.
The pinnacle of the celebrations, however, will take place Friday night with the lighting of the fishing boats.
Ivan Lear said the fish harvesters in the community care deeply about the tradition and are proud to display their lights each year.
WATCH | The National profiles Port de Grave in 2019:
"We got the crew together last week and pitched in. On pretty well every rail, there's a light. There's probably 500 lights on our boat, I would think," Lear said. "It's a couple, three hours' work. We've pretty much got it down pat now after 25 years."
The festival also recruited corporate sponsors this year and has launched a pair of products — a chocolate bar from the Newfoundland Chocolate Company and a beer from the Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co.
A full list of events can be found on the community's Facebook page.
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With files from The Broadcast
