It wouldn't be Christmas in Ladner Village without the annual carol ships procession.
The yearly holiday lights display returns to the government wharf at the foot of Elliott Street following the Christmas tree lighting and children's parade on Friday, Dec. 2 at about 7: 45 p.m.
The procession will make its way along the river from Westham Island Bridge as it has for more than 40 years.
The carol ships will return for a repeat performance on Saturday, Dec. 3 at about 7: 30 p.m.
The first carol ship sailing was on Dec. 16, 1970. The Cape Blanco sailed into Ladner Harbour alongside the Bethune and Devil Wind. The Cape Blanco carried the First Christian Reform Church choir and its organ.
The event grew. A year later, a group of young musicians, led by Ken Sovetd, played for about 200 people who gathered at the dock to wait for the ships.
The Delta Star, one of many new boats that year, carried the choir while another ship carried the Delta Community Band.
In the mid-1970s, the First Christian Reform Church choir moved on and the Ladner Gospel Assembly choir took its place. However, due to high insurance costs, the choir now remains ashore.
The choir will perform at the wharf on both nights, with the festivities getting under way at around 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Today, the event is made up of mostly pleasure crafts and usually includes more than 20 decorated boats.
