Canal light up in 1st week of March?

We're planning to visit Otaru for half a day from Sapporo and wondering if we should go early in the morning or afternoon. If we go in the afternoon it's for the canal light up. So would like to know if there's still light up in March or is it just for the Snow Festival? Thank you!

Do you see in this page?
http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/kankou/miru_asobu_toma...

Personally, I'd skip Otaru. As far as I'm concerned it is not worth the trip from Sapporo.

See the picture of the canal on this page?
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6700.html

That's basically it. There's a little bit more behind where the camera is, but not very much and honestly there really isn't anything to see there.

Thanks for the link, shige. That's helpful :-)

I visited Otaru last summer and I had thought it was a lovely place, though quite touristy. I had enjoyed the desserts and foods there but didn't get to see the canal light up. Despite mainly just a shopping street behind the canal I think it's still worth going even if it's just for the foods ;-)

Thanks for everyone's input!