Justin Medve
Special to the Beaver
Shining even brighter than downtown Napanee were the smiles of those who kicked off the sixth annual Big Bright Light Show there on Friday.
Families and friends filled Dundas Street for festivities awhile before the display came to life, taking the time to sip warm drinks, dance to live music and catch up with their neighbors.
It was certainly a night for younger ones, too. Kingston father Chris Ducharme said his family was happy to get the holidays started in Napanee.
“The kids have a lot of fun,” Ducharme said, adding that his sons were big fans of waving around free light sticks that were handed out by the town.
Also popular was the chance to meet Santa Claus and a couple of Disney princesses making their way around.
Storefronts provided picture-worthy moments, too. Plenty of them were decorated and one previously empty display sported a full Christmas-themed model train set.
TD Canada Trust had its door open to accept food donations and The Salvation Army was also onsite to do its part.
Mayor Gord Schermerhorn, MP Mike Bossio and even Santa made their way to the event’s stage for some holiday cheer before an enthusiastic countdown to the street lighting up at 7 p.m.
Everyone seemed more than satisfied with the result.
Local band Trilogy, entertainment for the night, further set the mood with Christmas covers like Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree once the lights came on.
Schermerhorn told the Beaver he’s happy to see such an inclusive event start the holidays in Napanee.
“It’s something unique for the area and people really start the Christmas season off when we light the lights up downtown,”
Ellena Fleury, owner of Ellena’s Cafe and a member of the Big Bright Light Show committee, helps organize the show with town staff and Napanee BIA members.
Then, Fleury finds herself in the heart of it.
“It’s probably one of our favourite nights to be open just because everyone is so cheerful; everyone is so happy,” she said. “I only make my famous hot chocolate twice a year – parade night, and that night.”
Fleury said the night also often brings back visitors in the warmer months who are curious of what else Napanee has to offer.
Dundas Street was filled last Friday night for a street party to kick off this year’s installment of the Big Bright Light Show’s seasonal display. Justin Medve photo.
“If you have a vibrant downtown, then you also have a vibrant uptown and town itself,” Fleury said.
The added brightness also encourages people to explore the town later in the evening, she added.
Sponsors TransCanada and D&D Electrocraft help with the cost of the 170,000 -plus LED display. Fleury said the team aims to make the show better each year.
Holiday lighting displays can also again be found at Springside Park and Conservation Park. The Big Bright Light display will brighten businesses until Jan 31.
Meanwhile, residents can enter the town’s Big Bright Light Home Contest online by Dec 15, competing under “classy” and “chaotic” Christmas themes. Judging takes place Dec 20.
The Downtown Napanee BIA Shop the Neighbourhood event returns this Saturday, followed by the Parade of Lights Dec 2.