2 CMBG lights up the night

Oh, the weather outside might be frightful, but the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) Homefire Festival of Lights is so delightful.

The one-km stretch of Sapper Way will once more be transformed into a Christmas wonderland from Dec. 6 to 12.

The festival will be bigger and better this year as most Garrison Petawawa units are participating. It has also been opened up to the public on Sunday, December 12, but tickets will be limited to maintain safety standards and to prevent the route from being overwhelmed. Ensure to keep an eye out on the 2 CMBG and Garrison Petawawa Facebook pages for instructions on how the public can register.

“Garrison Petawawa is excited to include the wider community as participants in the Homefire Festival of Lights this year, in addition to our members and their families,” said 4th Canadian Division Support Group (4 CDSG) Commander Colonel John Vass. “It will be a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays in a safe manner while taking in the winter wonderland put together by the units of the Garrison.”

The 2 CMBG Pipes and Drums may also appear on certain nights if the weather allows.

“We hope that people are able to come out to enjoy and so that members of the Garrison may have a chance to thank them for their support throughout the year,” he added.

Lead event organizer Major (Maj) Kim Marchand echoed those sentiments.

We wanted to show our gratitude,” she said. “It is our way to give back.”

Organizers have dedicated each night from December 6 to 10 to specific units, when only their members will be allowed through the loop. Members should look for information from their units on how they can attend.

It is estimated about 1,000 cars will pass through each night, so it’s important that participants go on the correct night during their assigned time slot.

“Otherwise you will be turned around, unfortunately, to make sure that people who do go through have an enjoyable time,” said Maj Marchand.

2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) created the festival in 2020 when COVID-19 safety protocols were at their most rigid, and restricted holiday gatherings. So an alternative celebration was created.

Originally, it was meant only for those in 2 CER, but other Garrison Petawawa units caught wind of their plan. Soon every major unit on base, and quite a few smaller ones, signed up to decorate part of the road.It became a big, beautiful light show that will grow each year.

“We can only make it better now,” said Maj Marchand, adding it isn’t hard to find volunteers for this event.

To participate, people will need a ticket and arrive at their designated time slot. The tickets are free, but they will be limited. More details can be found in the coming days on the 2 CMBG and Garrison Petawawa Facebook pages.