In the fall of 1999 Port de Grave was selected to become the last port of call for the Viking Ship, the Islendingur, in the summer of 2000. A committee was formed which consisted of 35 people, it had two Co-Chairs Wayne Harbin and Joyce Morgan. Port de Grave would host a celebration like it never had seen before. That fall the Government of Newfoundland sponsored the Festival of Lights, whereby any community that was willing to participate by lighting up their community for Christmas would receive a grant in the amount of $500.00, we decided “what a way to celebrate Christmas by lighting up the Harbour”, and so our story begins. The years before that one lone fisherman Eric Lear would light up his fishing boat, so we thought what a wonderful idea to go to all the fishermen and ask them to participate in lighting up their boats. But we couldn’t do this alone, so we took our idea to the Port de Grave Harbour Authority and asked for their assistance, we than became partners in this annual tradition. The Islindingur Committee ceased existence once the celebrations were over, and our committee of 35 dwindled to about 6 people who took over the Harbour Days celebrations for the next 5 years, whereby a week of celebrations were held in the month of August. Joyce Morgan remains the Chair of the Port de Grave Boat Lighting Committee to this very day! Our very first boat lighting Friday, Dec. 10, 1999, we had 36 boats participate, it was such a magical night, I still remember as if it were yesterday. A perfect, flat calm night with the moon and stars shining brightly, there were many people in attendance, there were speeches and singing from St. Luke’s and the Pentecostal Children’s Choirs. Hot chocolate was served and there was a visit from Santa Claus. Silent Night was being sung by everyone and the boats were being lit one by one, such an incredible feeling. Since that very first boat lighting, more fishermen and pleasure craft boat owners have been participating, with more lights and more decorations, some years we have had as many as 70 plus boats lit up. Due to some boats being sold, we average anywhere between 50 to 60 boats taking part. What an awesome sight when you hit the top of the Harbour Hills coming into Port de Grave! Every year thousands of people come to Port de Grave to view the lights. During the 2020 year of COVID, people were, guess you can say trapped in their homes, no outings no family gatherings no parties. So, what do you do you take your bubble and go to Port de Grave to see the lights? They came by the thousands, a normal trip to Port de Grave from the lights in Bay Roberts, is 10 minutes. In 2020 most nights it took almost two hours to get the same distance! During their drive to the harbour, they enjoyed the view on the way, the beautiful, decorated homes, the largest Crabpot Christmas tree in Atlantic Canada, a lobster pot tree, and another smaller version Crabpot Christmas tree. Getting close to the harbour you come to the Candy Cane house, this house owned by Ellsworth and Dot Petten, has hundreds of candy canes on their property and has become one of the major attractions! The Port de Grave Boat Lighting is known around the world! It has been showcased on CBC, NTV, Global National, Land and Sea "A Gift of Light" was aired, the Navigator, the Downhome Magazine, in-flight magazine on the American Airlines United Airlines, the Times in England, plus numerous other news papers and websites. Photos have been taken by professionals, amateurs, one photo was in the first 18th out of 19,000 photos in a Global photo contest. We even have our very own song “Christmas in Port de Grave” written and sung by the Singing Fisherman Wayne Morgan (Red). The latest song "Harbour Lights" written and performed by Brad Tuck and his group. Thankfully, the annual Boat Lighting and Carol Sing continues to this day and has become a major event in Newfoundland and Labrador. Along with the founding Chair Joyce Morgan and the Port de Grave Harbour Authority, we will be celebrating the 24th Annual Boat Lighting and Carol Sing on Friday, Dec. 9th, 2022. The Boat lighting has brought comfort to the sick, the lonely and the shut-ins. Seniors homes in the area bring residents by the bus load to see the lights, families come by the carload! We are so delighted, and we would like you to add this to your Christmas list to come and visit us and we look forward to many more years of keeping this tradition going. The Boats are always lit up to and including Old Christmas Day, January 6th. Special thanks to all Boat Owners and Crews, without them none of this would be possible. "Long may your big jib drawer".
