What has become Windsor-Essex's top holiday destination is now a part of history.
Snowflakes flew and the crowds were light on Tuesday night, but there were smiles all around as the third annual edition of Bright Lights Windsor celebrated its closing night at Jackson Park. Over the past month, thousands of people passed through the park gates to gaze at the hundreds of light formations, take selfies, listen to holiday music, and buy from vendors.
BlackburnNewsWindsor.com visited Jackson Park Tuesday night, talking to people enjoying the display. Everyone agreed the best part of it was the giant, musical Christmas tree set up in the Queen Elizabeth II Sunken Garden.
Lisa Bradley of LaSalle visited with her sister and her dog Daphne. She said the ingenuity was what caught her eye.
"Just all the creativity and the vendors were very nice to see as well," said Bradley.
Jennifer and Brian Burston of Amherstburg were at Jackson Park with their two children.
"We've been here in years past and have always enjoyed it," said Jennifer. "We know we're cutting it close with it being the last night, but wanted to get out here and let the kids enjoy it."
New to the display this year were a candy cane lane, specially themed areas, and an array of religious symbols representing the diversity of the Windsor-Essex region at the holiday season. The city of Windsor also unveiled the park's new year-round, temperature-controlled washrooms at the attraction's main entrance, and set aside Mondays as sensory-friendly nights, with softer music and light displays remaining static.
A subplot of the event has remained the criticism over the expense of creating it each year. Bradley said it did cross her mind, but Bright Lights is good for the region.
"I do feel the same way," said Bradley. "It's nice to look at for the holidays. It brings morale up. But I do think that they could have spent the money on something better, but that's ok, it's still beautiful."
Despite the criticism over the time and funding it has taken to bring Bright Lights to life, the city of Windsor, as well as Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), has praised the attraction for its ability to generate business for the surrounding area. Mayor Drew Dilkens said on opening night last month that the free event drew 60,000 people the first year, and 100,000 the second.
