Bright Lights Windsor highly anticipated by local residents

By Rylee Livingston

Last year, Windsor’s annual lights festival in Jackson Park brought in more than 100,000 visitors. 

But Bright Lights also brings out a public debate every year – is this festival the best use of city resources?  

With annual set-up costs totaling $500,000, month-long closures of Jackson Park and growing homelessness issues in the downtown core, residents often question if this money could be better used elsewhere.  

Despite these concerns, Windsorites seem to be anticipating the festival more than ever this year, saying that it brings the holiday spirit to the city. 

Chris Hatt, a LaSalle resident who works in Windsor, said he and his children have attended Bright Lights in the past. 

“It’s a great event for the city and unlike some people I don’t think it’s a waste of money,” said Hatt. “Windsor needs stuff that brings people together during the holidays, so why not?” 

Elise Costa is a student from the area. She said while she thinks the city could prioritize other needs, she still enjoys attending the festival. 

“I love them, I go every year and I think it brings a lot of people to Windsor,” said Costa. “I look forward to it, it makes it feel more Christmassy.” 

With additional activities like visits with Santa, train rides and a vendor market, Bright Lights brings in large crowds from all over the world. This year’s festival is set to run from Dec. 1 to Jan. 7. 

Brayden Barclay, a Windsor student originally from Cambridge, Ontario, has not attended the festival before, but thinks it is a good use of the city’s resources. 

“I love Christmas,” said Barclay. “I love lights and events like that. I feel like in today’s society not a lot of people are happy enough, especially around Christmas time. That’s where all the happiness comes from.” 

Syd Tremblay is another Windsor student who agrees the lights have a positive impact on the city. While she has never attended, she has plans to visit this year. 

“I think it’s cute,” said Tremblay. “It’s a nice little community thing that brings everyone together.” 

With a recent fire on Nov. 12 causing an estimated $100,000 in damages, it is unclear what the impact on this year’s festivities will be.