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The Winter Competition of Lights has turn into a beloved custom in Niagara Falls, attracting tens of millions of tourists annually. However how a lot are you aware about its origins?
Early Beginnings in Niagara Falls, New York
The story of the competition dates again to 1980, when it started because the “Festival of Lights” on the U.S. aspect of Niagara Falls. Lasting 44 days, it was a community-driven occasion supported by sponsorship from the native tourism trade and numerous volunteers.
Highlights included a nine-story “OxyLights” show synchronized to Christmas music, the illumination of the Nabisco silos because the “Nabisco Fantasy of Lights,” and hundreds of lights strung alongside Outdated Falls Road and Lackey Plaza. Indoor sights featured animated shows protecting 15,000 sq. toes within the Niagara Falls Conference Middle and Carborundum Middle.
Regardless of its appeal, the U.S. Competition of Lights confronted monetary challenges and resulted in 2004 as a consequence of inadequate sponsorship funding.
A New Starting in Niagara Falls, Ontario
Throughout its inaugural yr, the Competition featured a modest assortment of lighting shows close to the Falls, drawing roughly 250,000 guests. Inspired by its success, the occasion expanded yearly, changing into a cherished winter custom for households and mates.
Recognizing the potential for a serious vacationer draw, Niagara Falls, Ontario, launched its personal model of the occasion in 1983, initially referred to as the “Festival of Lights” earlier than rebranding to the “Winter Festival of Lights” in 1985. This collaboration between the Niagara Falls Canada Customer and Conference Bureau, the Metropolis of Niagara Falls, and the Niagara Parks Fee debuted with a modest $18,000 price range. In its first yr, it welcomed 250,000 guests and 35 motor coaches.
Right this moment, the competition is in its forty second yr and attracts over 1 million annual guests, together with 750 motor coaches.
Memorable Milestones
Disney Partnership (1992-2013): In 1992, the Competition launched the “Enchantment of Disney,” a partnership with Disney that introduced over 20 animated shows of basic Disney characters to Queen Victoria Park. These shows, together with opening ceremonies that includes Disney characters, delighted guests for greater than twenty years earlier than being discontinued in 2013 when Disney restricted character appearances to its theme parks.
Evening Parade of Lights (1998-2006): For practically a decade, the competition featured a weekly parade with illuminated floats. In 2006, funds had been reallocated to reinforce park lighting and shows.
Sponsor Contributions: Over time, sponsors like CAA (2010-2012) and Ontario Energy Era (2013 to 2019) have helped elevate the competition.
Over time, the Competition embraced new themes and experiences, together with Korean lantern shows, inventive installations, and interactive gentle options. In 2020, the Competition doubled its stock of shows, and in 2021, it prolonged its period from 54 nights to 101, providing extra alternatives for guests to expertise its magic.
Right this moment’s Winter Competition of Lights
Right this moment, the Winter Competition of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a stunning wonderland of colour and lightweight from mid-November by early January. Stretching alongside the Niagara Parkway from Dufferin Islands to vacationer districts like Fallsview Boulevard and Lundy’s Lane, the Competition options tens of millions of lights, larger-than-life shows, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Highlights embody over 50 huge shows, corresponding to Canadian wildlife scenes, the towering two-storey Zimmerman Fountain, a 40-foot gentle tunnel, and an illuminated fortress. Many bushes alongside the Niagara Parkway are wrapped in vibrant lights, making a picturesque setting that enhances the festive ambiance.
For extra info on the Winter Competition Lights
The Competition is organized by Niagara Falls Tourism in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Tourism Partnership of Niagara, the Niagara Parks Fee, and native Enterprise Enchancment Areas. Company sponsors, together with Ontario Lottery & Gaming Company, the Niagara Falls Bridge Fee, Ontario Energy Era, and Cogeco, present further help to make the Competition a actuality.
Land Acknowledgement
Niagara Falls Tourism and the Winter Competition of Lights respectfully acknowledge that this occasion takes place on the standard territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. These lands, lined by the Higher Canada Treaties and guarded by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum settlement, are house to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities at present. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the area’s historical past and the continued relationship with Indigenous peoples whose assets and friendship contribute to our lifestyle.
Awards and Recognition
The Winter Competition of Lights has obtained quite a few accolades over time, together with:
Occasion of the Yr
High Competition/Occasion in Ontario
Greatest Volunteer Program
Most Modern Partnership
Occasions of Distinction Award from Festivals and Occasions Ontario (FEO)
The American Bus Affiliation (ABA) has additionally acknowledged the Competition as one in all its High 100 Internationally Recognized Occasions. These awards mirror the Competition’s dedication to offering distinctive experiences and fostering neighborhood satisfaction.
The Winter Competition of Lights continues to enchant guests with its vibrant shows and festive spirit, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Niagara Falls’ winter tourism season.
