Tradition and flexibility can go hand-in-hand. There's no reason why they shouldn't.
As far as celebrations are concerned, does it really matter that the exact same route isn't being taken to reach the same objective? Thinking rationally, a specific occurrence is a result of a plethora of factors, beyond the handful that are visible to the naked eye. Matter is constantless, so embrace the change and all that accompanies it.
As far as celebrations are concerned, does it really matter that the exact same route isn't being taken to reach the same objective? Thinking rationally, a specific occurrence is a result of a plethora of factors, beyond the handful that are visible to the naked eye. Matter is constantless, so embrace the change and all that accompanies it.
Christmas festivities were cancelled this year due to the obvious reason that COVID-19 remains rampant in our community, as well as the entirety of the GTHA. For the first time in five years, I won't be making my annual trip to the Toronto Christmas Market, nor will my schedule be brimming with long overdue hangouts. My holiday itinerary is anticipated to be comparatively less hectic than other years, and, truthfully, for the sake of humanity, so should yours.
|
|
Outsourcing festive entertainment with those in one's immediate household isn't a challenging task though. Building off innovation and a smidgen of unconfined creativity, POLAR was born. The multi-level parking building on Viscount Road was re-purposed into a drive-thru light exhibit, open for scheduled visits on a per-vehicle basis. The lockdown status of Toronto and Peel Region had not hindered the event's operation, though it was assumed that those riding in the same vehicle belonged to one household. Driver's licences were not verified, only proof of purchase.
Absolutely enthralled at the opportunity to temporarily escape work and my all-too-familiar indoor surroundings, I had taken to purchasing Early Bird Tickets two weeks prior. Multiple email reminders filled my inbox leading up to the day of, inclusive of protocol/conduct reminders and the absence of on-site bathrooms.
Our visit was scheduled for POLAR's first day of operation. Upon exiting the highway, illuminated tunnels were visible from underneath the Hwy 409 bridge on Viscount Road. Signage was present as soon as the Google Maps navigation terminated.
Cars would file into the area, tickets would be checked, and visitors would be directed to four different queues. There, one would reside for nearly twenty minutes before being directed to a winding, single-file line to enter the premises. Our timed ticket had been specified for the period of 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, thus we joined the lineup at 5:45 PM, precisely making the fifteen-minute buffer suggested in the FAQ. It was later discovered that the time stamp barely mattered. "Everyone is just coming in and lining up." we were told by one of the staff members.
Cars would file into the area, tickets would be checked, and visitors would be directed to four different queues. There, one would reside for nearly twenty minutes before being directed to a winding, single-file line to enter the premises. Our timed ticket had been specified for the period of 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, thus we joined the lineup at 5:45 PM, precisely making the fifteen-minute buffer suggested in the FAQ. It was later discovered that the time stamp barely mattered. "Everyone is just coming in and lining up." we were told by one of the staff members.
By the 6:10 PM mark, enough suspense had been sustained. We gradually inched closer to the gate, where 90.9 POLAR FM was activated and warning signs for attendees to remain within their vehicle at all times emerged. Around 6:20 PM, we entered the parking garage, cheering from the comfort of our vehicle in quite possibly the most enthusiastic manner one could ever exhibit while entering a parking garage.
Entry on the first level was controlled by two grim-looking members of staff sporting hi vis vests and traffic advisor light bars, one positioned at each end of the first tunnel. As the car in front of us disappeared from view, we were permitted to traverse through the fairly dim first segment lined with promotional banners.
Rounding the corner, we caught sight of the first attraction: a spectacular tunnel with illuminated with bold light strands along its inner perimeter. With each step of the way, the lights would flash - sometimes white, sometimes blue - yielding a different perspective.
Rounding the corner, we caught sight of the first attraction: a spectacular tunnel with illuminated with bold light strands along its inner perimeter. With each step of the way, the lights would flash - sometimes white, sometimes blue - yielding a different perspective.
|
|
At the conclusion of this attraction was another member of staff, from whom we awaited direction prior to advancement. The next attraction featured a serene cobalt theme with winter wonderland-esque installations such as carousel horses and faux snow-decked trees.
RSS Feed