Planes and helicopters can be fun to look at at any time of day, but add thousands of Christmas lights at night and it’s an entirely different experience.
“I posted it on my Facebook and was amazed at the number of shares I’d already gotten so there’s a huge level of interest here in the valley,” said Christie Jeffers who was enjoying the lights Wednesday evening.
The display is at the Comox Air Force Museum’s Heritage Air Park and features 12 aircraft decorated for Christmas.
“Each display was sponsored by Units and Squadrons on the Wing and it was to follow along with the 12 Days of Christmas and it’s just a fantastic tribute to our Air Force History and Heritage,” said Deputy Wing Commander Lt.-Col. Andrea Dawe.
One example is a DC-3 Dakota, one of the last two operational Dakotas in the military based at CFB Comox during World War II and now on display at the Heritage Airpark.
Derek Jeffers’ 418 Operational Training Unit dressed it up for Christmas with hundreds of lights.
“I think it’s great. I think one of the things we’ve noticed in our neighbourhood, in particular, is that people are getting out and decorating more, decorating earlier and anything we can do to bring some joy to the community is a good idea in my opinion,” he said.
Due to concerns around COVID-19, viewing rules are pretty strict.
The gates to the park are closed so people are asked to only enjoy the display as they drive by on Military Row.
“We are not encouraging any gatherings at all due to the Provincial restrictions,” stated Lt.-Col. Dawe. “We want people to enjoy the lights but to drive by safely and enjoy the lights that we put out but no gatherings at all.”
The original plans included a donation box for the Comox Valley Foodbank but people are now asked to donate directly to the bank instead.
More information can be found here.
Dean Stoltz
