One of my favourite Christmas traditions is getting up at 5 AM and heading to the Saint John City Market for the CBC Saint John’s Information Morning team’s annual Harbour Lights show.
All proceeds raised from the show go to feed hungry families in Southern New Brunswick.
We have been going to the Harbour Lights show for the past ten years and there is nothing like gathering in the pre-dawn hours as a community to help raise money for those in need.
This year, radio host Hance Colburne and the crew welcomed some musical guests as well as Mayor Mel Norton, CBC TV host Harry Forestell and representatives from area food banks.
Check out the snazzy suit on radio host Hance Colburne; I know you all want one! Behind Hanse is Stephanie Mainville and her band.
There is a mayor’s breakfast that always has a HUGE lineup. For a $5.00 donation, you receive a great breakfast of sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, toast, juice and coffee with all product donated and all proceeds benefitting the Harbour Lights campaign.
Harbour Lights commemorative mugs were also on sale at the Saint John City Market show. The mugs were $25.00, with a limit of two per person and were completely sold out by 7 AM.
As well as grabbing some breakfast, hundreds of listeners dropped by to check out the broadcast and try some market treats.
The Harbour Lights tree.
Photo attribution – CBC news
Each year Port Saint John installs a giant Christmas tree made of hundreds of twinkling lights near the Saint John harbour. Each $2 donation lights a bulb. And as December shows signs of progress, bulb by bulb the tree lights up. When the financial goal is met, the star on top is lit.
This year the goal was reached during this special broadcast and the star on the top of the tree was illuminated.
As we were leaving the market, the sun was just coming up on the foggy streets of uptown Saint John.
And, that’s what’s been happening in and around the Kennebecasis Valley!
Do you have any annual traditions that get you into the true spirit of Christmas?
The pictures are beautiful, Monica. and the early morning is certainly worth getting up for.
Thanks Kathy and I agree, certainly worth getting up early. Bonus – We were able to plan our imaginary trip!
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I agree, even though I am no longer and “early morning” person, that experience is worth it. I am always amazed by the huge numbers of others who gather at the market at that very early hour! Our participation is definitely a “win-win” situation.
It was a lot of fun Pat and always seems to kick start my Christmas spirit
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