Love them or hate them, the very mention of Greater Napanee’s Big Bright Lights always seems to invoke strong emotions from residents.
With that in mind it was no surprise that council’s decision to relocate the thousands of LED Christmas bulbs from the downtown core to Springside and Conservation Park created quite the buzz on social media.
Most comments opposed the idea, though some voiced opinions that were in favour. We’re reserving judgment until the new designs are made public, but trying to top the three-block display that Napanee has become known for won’t be easy. Ultimately it will come down to whether or not organizers can come up with something better-though attempting to design something that will be universally adored is a fool’s errand. If they can at least arrive at something that the majority of people approve of while also creating enough appeal that neighbouring communities will feel compelled enough to make a trip just to see them, that would have to be considered a win. Those on the planning committee would be wise to seek community input where possible-though again keeping in mind not everyone is going to agree on the final product.
The town has long grappled with the best way to optimize the advantages the lights can bring. In their early, pre-COVID heyday, the mere flipping of the switch for the first time was a big enough spectacle to drive thousands to Dundas Street. This year however there was no big ‘to-do’. One November the night the streets were dark, the next night suddenly they were illuminated in festive spirit. Residents were left to find out through social media posts. That in itself generated its share of backlash as residents felt they had been cheated out of a holiday tradition. Local shop owners likely weren’t too pleased either. Though in the post COVID world, in the thick of cold and flu season, it’s perhaps understandable why the town would want to avoid a large gathering-though the flip side being by then just about everything else had opened up, so why couldn’t this outdoor event have gone ahead? After all, a few weeks later the Parade of Lights was held on those very same streets with no precautions in place.
Hanging the lights and taking them down is another issue the town has wrestled with, trying to find the most cost effective method to do so. Outside hires have been deemed too costly. That leaves the task to town staff, with the help of volunteers. Getting them up and down takes time however and requires the right balance between putting them up too early or running the risk of putting them up amid an early winter storm. The longer they’re up, the more exposed they are to the elements. The more wear and tear they suffer, the more they show their age. And they are definitely beginning to show their age in some areas.
And so, despite the fact the Dundas Street has built something of a reputation as a holiday destination, it will be up to the local parks to pick up the torch and carry on the tradition. Whether that will have the same appeal-and ultimately economic benefit-remains to be seen.
-Adam Prudhomme