With the holiday season now over, Sarnia's Celebration of Lights displays are set to come down this week.
The string lights and 53 displays at Centennial Park have been up since mid-November. The opening ceremony was held on November 29, 2025, and the lights have been on every evening since January 1.
Board Chair Dean Holtz said unlike previous years, they had very little trouble with vandalism.
"The biggest issue we had was with the electrical. We're still sorting that out with the city. They changed the jiffy poles to GFIs (Ground Fault Interrupters) a couple of years ago and ever since then, we've been having issues," Holtz said. "When it rains or there's a lot of moisture, that's where the problem is. If it's dry out, then it's fine."
*The larger displays were scheduled to be taken down on Tuesday, January 6, on what's known as "crane day." However, due to freezing rain in the forecast, crane day was rescheduled to take place on Friday, January 9.
"Sterling Crane is going to bring a crane out for us to lift down, if you will, the five largest and heaviest displays that we have," he said. "So we just need some people to guide those as the crane sets them down on the ground."
Holtz said they're asking for about 20 volunteers to meet at the park, along Front Street at 9 a.m. The process typically lasts until noon or 1 p.m.
Front Street will be closed from London Road to Exmouth Street so the candle arch can be removed. No through traffic will be permitted at Maxwell Street and Front Street, and Nelson Street and Front Street during this time.
The majority of work will be done on Saturday, January 10, during the community tear down day.
Displays will be disassembled before being transported to Sandrin Services to be stored in sea cans.
"We ask for 100 [volunteers] because it does take a while to do. We are starting at 9 a.m. We ask people, for this event, to register at the Agora stage," Holtz said. "Certainly, youth are welcome to join us but they do have to be accompanied by an adult if they're under 18."
He said it's usually a whole day event.
"Most years... if we're done by 4 p.m. or 4:30 p.m., that would be considered early," chuckled Holtz. "It's usually between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. because we really have to get everything done and removed from the park. It's a lot of work."
Volunteers are also to bring a truck or trailer (14 feet or longer) if possible.
Sarnia Blessing will be at the park on Tuesday and Saturday to offer refreshments to volunteers.
