Parade of Lights returns to Cape Breton yacht club this weekend

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaCape BretonEntertainment & Life Parade of Lights returns to Cape Breton yacht club this weekend Event is held each year on the Saturday of Labour Day weekend Author of the article: By Contributed Published Sep 02, 2026 Last updated 2 hours ago 3 minute read Kidston Island will serve as the backdrop for the annual Parade of Lights in Baddeck on Sept. 5. PHOTO BY JEREMY FRASER /CAPE BRETON POST Article content As the Bras d’Or Yacht Club’s fourth annual Parade of Lights is taking place in Baddeck on Saturday at sunset, organizers are letting the community know everyone is invited to watch and take part on a vessel if able. Article content Article content The parade is held each year on the Saturday of Labour Day weekend. It is open to all Transport Canada-compliant vessels capable of safely maintaining a minimum speed of four knots. Article content Article content “We’ve deliberately kept participation as simple, inclusive and welcoming as possible. There’s no registration and no advance commitment required. If someone decides that day that they’d like to light up their boat and join us, they’re welcome,” said Dean Baldwin, member of the Bras d’Or Yacht Club. Article content “We simply ask skippers to read and follow the written sailing and parade instructions, available on the reverse side of the event poster which can be found on the Bras d’Or Yacht Club Facebook page.” Article content There is no particular kind of boat needed, or weeks of preparation for this event. If a vessel meets the requirements, and the party is interested, Baldwin said to “light it up and come join us.” There is no cost to participate in the parade; skippers cover their own vessel expenses and whatever they choose to spend on lights, decorations or equipment. Article content “Some people go all out and others keep it simple. That’s part of the charm. There’s no expectation to have the biggest or brightest display — the point is to participate, have fun and bring a little of your own creativity to the harbour,” said Baldwin. Article content Article content Read More Bras d'Or Yacht Club hosts annual Baddeck Regatta Gallery Cape Breton's Race the Cape series hopes to spark sail competition Advertisement 1 Article content EVENT ORIGINS Article content The idea for the Baddeck yacht club’s Parade of Lights developed after Baldwin saw and…