U.S. authorities find bodies
Parties cooperate in court
Midway transformer fire
Premier stands by pick
Canada's most-wanted list
Sask. will still get rebates
Santos ends comeback bid
Douglas C-54 plane crashes
Trump's 'eyes and ears'
Phish fans enter the Sphere
CN Rail profits fall 
Tesla's Q1 income tumbles
Iginla off to Europe
Rockets ink prospect
Leafs even series
Alleged Tupac killer in court
Lawsuit accuses Megan
Bam Margera’s tour axed
The Downtown Vernon Associations annual Christmas Light Up was a record breaker.
More than 7,000 people took in the event that featured a variety of activities in the city's downtown core.
“There was something for everyone, young and old, including visits with Santa, ornament decorating and dancing in the street. The Light Up is a community event and we were so excited to see such an amazing turnout. The weather co-operated and it was a beautiful night,” said Hailey Rilkoff, DVA events co-ordinator. “When Santa threw the switch to light up the tree it was spectacular to hear all the kids cheering, it is a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
The Hot Chocolate Challenge has become a highly-anticipated part of the event and this year did not disappoint with seven kinds of hot chocolate to taste test.
Participating businesses were up for the challenge and gave their best shot, handing out more than 350 samples for public judging. Once all the ballots were tallied, Domenic’s Café & Bistro came out the winner with its Nutella Hot Chocolate.
Downtown Christmas window displays were also up for judging by Queen Silver Star with the final award going to Olive Us Oils for its unique and colourful Christmas window display.
“People’s Choice voting just started on Dec. 1 and will be open until Dec. 16,” said Rilkoff, “People can cast their vote by visiting the Downtown Vernon Facebook page. Simply 'like' their favourite and then a comment on the photo will get their name entered to win $50 Downtown Dollars to use this season.”
