Nov 17, 2009 - 02:11 PM

PORT PERRY -- Port Perry's business community will flip the switch on the 2009 holiday season this Friday evening with the annual Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting Extravaganza.

The Port Perry BIA has refused to let Scugog's councillors dampen their holiday spirits and have mapped out an alternate route for the popular evening stroll after being told on Nov. 9 that Palmer Park is off limits.

Instead of starting the candlelight walk at the waterfront park, the BIA has opted to run the route in reverse this year, with the evening starting off in Reflection Park at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting of the community Christmas tree. From there, the candlelight procession will head east along Queen Street to near the Canada Post office "for some roasting of marshmallows, music and Christmas fun," according to the BIA's Kenna Kozak.

The BIA also noted there will be a Warm Hands Warm Heart tree for the United Way at the Post Office, adorned with hats, scarves and mitts for purchase with all proceeds going to United Way.

In past years, the merchant group has started its walk at Palmer Park, but that plan was rejected by Scugog's civic leaders at a recent council meeting. Scugog Mayor Marilyn Pearce said then the lighting is poor at the waterfront park, adding the area is currently undergoing construction.

"I don't think we should be putting children ... in an area under construction," said the mayor. "We don't want to see anyone hurt."

For more information on the event, visit www.discoverportperry.ca.