It’s once again that time of year – time for The Festival of Lights. Started with just twelve displays in 1989 last year’s version had over fifty. Once more Sinnissippi Park plays host to the festival. The economy has hit the festival a bit this year, but even with the troubled economic times there are still forty four displays.

In fact while they’ve lost some participants, there are quite a few new contributors - Mosaic, Girl Scout Troop 272, Happy Camper Pet Resort, Magic Waters Water Park, Christian Life High School, St. Rita Catholic Church, Auburn High School, Advantage Kwik Dry Carpet Care/Flood Pros, IL Mentor, Collier RV.  According to event organizers those who didn’t participate, “Either … couldn’t afford a lighted display, or they couldn’t afford the entry fee (although the entry fee was reduced in anticipation of this), or they couldn’t afford to pay employees to set up a display, or all the above. “

The thing is, even with this situation (and who isn’t feeling it by now?) there are some shining stars amongst the shining stars. For instance the organizers say that, “this year Crimson Ridge purchased a brand new display which is a nativity scene and it is huge and beautiful. The cost was close to $10,000 for this gorgeous display.”

The event expects to have in the neighborhood of fifty five thousand visitors this year, but I personally wonder if it might be higher. I mean, everyone needs some holiday cheer and spirit and since you can bring in a whole carload of people for only a dollar (buses are just five bucks). You can’t get a much more economical holiday experience. With everybody pinching pennies, bargains are hard to find and well received when they are found.

All displays are open for viewing via vehicle Friday, Saturday and Sunday only from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. It will be open all night on Christmas Eve. Can you think of a more economical way to bring some much needed holiday cheer into your year? I’d bet not. Get down and check out the wonderful displays. You can pack up the car and spend some quality time with the family. A few cups of hot chocolate, a bag of marshmallows and Christmas displays – it doesn’t get much better than that. For more information head over to http://www.rockfordfireandice.com.