Celebration of Lights Arch display in downtown Sarnia. BlackburnNews.com file photo.Celebration of Lights Arch display in downtown Sarnia. BlackburnNews.com file photo.
Sarnia

Celebration of Lights to come down for another year

The Celebration of Lights displays are being taken down this week.

The 40th annual presentation at Sarnia's Centennial Park was turned off for the season on January 1, 2025.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Dean Holtz said there were more displays than last year.

"We had some displays refurbished and the children's houses, three new houses were built, which was great," he said.

Holtz said overall the celebration went well but there were some issues with the city's electrical system.

"When it would rain a lot of the displays or parts of the displays would trip the GFI [outlets] and they would go out," he said. "We're working with the city to try and resolve that so hopefully next year that doesn't happen or not nearly as much."

According to Holtz, the city replaced the posts where the outlets are plugged into last year.

Ahead of this year's opening ceremonies, some of the displays were vandalized.

A projector was stolen and many extension cords were unplugged and removed and some were even damaged.

Holtz said there was another incident on Christmas Eve.

"Unfortunately we deal with [vandalism] every year, so the reality is we've got our stuff just sitting out in the open for the taking," he said. "We do have Hughes Intelligence is providing security but they're not there 24/7."

Holtz added while organizers wish it didn't happen they do what they can when the issue arises.

Community support is being asked for the removal of the displays.

"Crane day" is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7 at 9 a.m.

"We need about 20 strong volunteers to help just guide the displays as they get put down by Sterling Crane," Holtz said.

Sarnia Blessings will provide hot beverages and food for volunteers.

The community teardown day is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 11.

Holtz said for the setup they had 65 volunteers and are hoping for a similar number.

"If we can have 50-60 or more [for take down], many hands make light work," he said. "The displays have to be disassembled and then they have to be put on our carts and then those are put on trucks and brought to our sea cans."

Holtz said organizers will need a few trucks and trailers that are at least 14 feet.

Sarnia Blessings will also provide refreshments for that day as well.

Holtz said they enjoy hosting the events and it means a lot that the community gets behind it.

"It really is a community initiative and we're glad to be a part of it," he said.

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