Davis, Gwynn Named Winners of ‘Who Lights Up Canby’ Contest

Kamela Davis, the executive secretary of Canby Superintendent Trip Goodall and the Canby School District Board of Directors, has been named the winner of this year’s “Who Lights Up Canby?” contest.

Davis is also a leader in her church community, Christ the King, and beloved by her family and friends. She was named this year’s most illuminating citizen after being nominated for the honor no less than five times — a record.

During normal years, this lucky Canbyite would be the guest of honor at the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Wait Park, following the festive Light Up the Night parade through downtown Canby.

Due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic and rising cases of Covid-19 statewide, the festivities were severely pared back this year.

But Davis will still be featured in a virtual video event broadcast on Canby CTV Channel 5 and the City of Canby’s YouTube page at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 — and she won’t be alone.

In a special twist, Kamela has invited her friend Mallory Gwynn, owner of Gwynn’s Coffeehouse and fellow purveyor of joy, to join her in accepting the honor to turn the lights on at Wait Park.

“This tree lighting tradition kicks off the holiday season in downtown Canby, and both honorees noted the importance of supporting the local shops and restaurants that make Canby unique and enjoyable,” the city said in a community email.

Such magnanimousness is something of a tradition when it comes to the “Who Lights Up Canby?” contest.

2018 designee Frank Cutsforth, of Cutsforth’s Market, elected to share the honor with Rose, a longtime customer and well-known local resident, while last year’s winner, Yolanda Sanchez, asked her whole family to help her flip the switch.

Davis and Gwynn will also be joined by community leader and emcee extraordinaire Greg Perez, Canby Mayor Brian Hodson and another special guest or two (hint, hint, hint).

The video presentation is a collaborative effort of the city, community volunteers, Canby Parks Department, local businesses and CTV5.

You can also experience the magic of the season by visiting downtown Canby to see the lights at Wait Park, which will be on every night through the month of December. Make a plan to visit a local restaurant and complete some holiday shopping at one of Canby’s local shops.

Watch Canby’s Light Up the Night 2020 virtual event “(almost) live” at the link below: