Holiday festival to light up Oppenheim Park

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, Oct. 28, 2004

After a three-year hiatus, an event known to many as “A Festival of Lights” will return with a new name to a new location this holiday season.

Carrying the name “Holiday Lights of Niagara ... A Festival Returns,” the multi-colored holiday lighting spectacular presented by the United Way of Niagara will make its comeback at Oppenheim Park in the town of Wheatfield on Nov. 23.

At the new location, Niagara County residents and visitors will have the opportunity to view more than 40 light and animated holiday-themed displays arranged on a 1.5-mile stretch from their cars and tour buses at night through Jan. 1, 2005. The displays will be illuminated from 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, festival organizers announced at a press conference at the Wheatfield Town Hall on Oct. 21.

This year’s “Holiday Lights of Niagara” will feature displays depicting a giant animated carousel and dancing penguins among others. According to festival organizers, these displays will change every year to make the event more attractive and appealing. The new location is also expected to make a trip to the festival more convenient since visitors can access the park with their vehicles. A nominal charge, however, will apply to all vehicles driving through the winter wonderland.

United Way of Niagara is currently looking for area companies and organizations interested in sponsoring one of the animated displays. The deadline for sponsorships application is Monday, Nov. 8.

All proceeds will benefit United Way of Niagara.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Festival co-chair Carol Houwaart-Diez at 285-8461.