Organizers are getting ready to tear down the Celebration of Lights displays following another festive season at Centennial Park in Sarnia.
The displays turned off at 11 p.m. on January 1.
Chairman of the Board of Directors Dean Holtz said about 50 displays were showcased this season.
Overall, Holtz said the annual initiative went over well but there was one challenge this year due to GFI outlets installed by the City of Sarnia.
"So if it was raining, and we've had a lot of rain unfortunately, it would trip several of those [displays]. So parts of displays or full displays weren't on," said Holtz.
To mitigate the issue, Holtz said city employees would check and reset the outlets during the day while board members would try to do the same on evenings and weekends.
"It wasn't the ideal set up and we're going to look at how we can hopefully not have that be the same situation for next year," he said. "Other than that, it was great! Everything came together really well and we were happy to do it."
Over the next week, community support will again be needed to help take down and store the displays.
"Crane day" was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 9, at 9 a.m.
However, due to gusty winds in the forecast and associated safety concerns, crane day was rescheduled to instead take place on Thursday, January 11 at 9 a.m.
Holtz said they need about 20 strong volunteers to help guide the displays while machinery, provided by Sterling Crane, lowers them to the ground.
Sarnia Blessings will provide hot beverages to volunteers.
Meanwhile, the community tear down day is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 13.
Volunteers can sign in at the Agora Stage, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Holtz said they're asking for help from at least 100 people, they also need about six trucks with trailers that are at least 14 feet long.
"The thing about [the] tear down is it doesn't normally take as long as to be expected. If we get 100 people or so who are willing to stay until it's done, it might be done by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. at the latest," he said.
Sarnia Blessings will again provide refreshments and lunch for those who commit to helping in the afternoon.
The Celebration of Lights Board of Directors consists of seven people so Holtz said they appreciate the community support regarding sponsorships and volunteering.
