REMEMBERING LOVED ONES — Lish Troski and Abby LeMasters prepare to distribute candles to the families and friends of deceased local residents during Toronto’s Night of Remembrance Tuesday night at the city’s Gazebo Commons. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — Tuesday evening’s steady rainfall didn’t prevent more than 100 people from gathering at the city’s Gazebo Commons to remember the impact that loved ones have had on their lives.

The many residents turned out for Inspire Toronto’s Night of Remembrance, a yearly tradition in which candles are lit in memory of deceased family members and friends before the holidays.

Many of the more than 200 candles were donated by Clarke Funeral Home and J.E. Foster Funeral Home for the area residents whose funeral arrangements they handled during the past year.

But some also were purchased by local residents to reflect their ongoing remembrance of loved ones who are no longer in their lives physically.

In her opening prayer, the Rev. Jane Shockey, pastor of Hilltop and Toronto First Presbyterian churches, encouraged attendees to embrace the love and memories those individuals left with those they left behind.

MEMORIES AND SONGS — Vocalists Rich Coburn, left, and Thomas “Bo” Graham provided music for Toronto’s Night of Remembrance, an annual event held to remember deceased loved ones with the lighting of candles at the city’s Gazebo Commons. -- Warren Scott

She noted Psalm 34:18 states Jesus Christ is close to those who are broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The event has served for many as a precursor to the city’s Christmas celebration.

The gazebo, decorated with bows and garland by volunteers in the Toronto Beautification Committee and a Christmas tree with ornaments made by local students, has been its setting for many years.

And the singing of Christmas carols, this year by Thomas “Bo” Graham and Rich Coburn, is a regular feature.

It was initiated by the city’s former chamber of commerce, noted Jay Foster of J.E. Foster Funeral Home, who joined Don Clarke of Clarke Funeral Home in reading the names of many who have died in the last year.

As they did, the candles were distributed by Abby LeMasters and Lish Troski, leaders of Inspire Toronto, to family members and friends for them to take home.

The two, Toni Moreland and other volunteers in Inspire Toronto will be preparing today for the Miracle on Toronto’s Fourth Street, a street fair to be held Saturday around the lighting of a tall Christmas tree near the corner of North Fourth and Clark streets.

With live music and a magic act and games for children, the event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Toronto Christmas Art Festival, a holiday craft show held by volunteers with Focus in Toronto, this year will coincide with it, with vendors gathered inside Straka Hall by Baby-Boyz BBQ and outside.