LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (NCC News)— It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That’s right; it’s time for the holidays. In Central New York, the holidays are celebrated with all sorts of events throughout the region. There’s one event out of all, however, that serves as the unofficial start of the joyful season: The Lights on the Lake fest.
Central New York native Dr. Maggie Bristol can echo that statement and speak for other Central New Yorkers.
“This really does signify the start of the holiday season, I think for a lot of us that are Central New Yorkers. We’ve done this every year since I was a kid,” Dr. Bristol said.
It’s soon becoming a generational event for families here. The light fest enters its 32nd year and continues to become bigger and brighter each year.
“We’re upgrading stuff every year. For example, this year, we have many more light displays that have animation. Some are big. Some are small.” Galaxy Media Events Coordinator Zach Fenner said, “We’ve added a house display, some little presents spread out through the show.”
The festival opens up with its first three nights being “special nights,” dedicated to celebrating charities and groups around Central New York for their work. The fest devoted the first special nights to the Syracuse chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Health. Dr. Maggie Bristol serves as a board member and the veteran’s chair for the chapter. She was delighted to go to the fest and see the fest support N.A.M.I’s cause.
“It’s such an honor for them to have chosen our non-profit to support tonight. We were thrilled to get the acceptance”. Dr. Bristol said, “Being able to partner with something that is so near and dear to Central New Yorker’s hearts and bring attention to our cause was just an absolute blessing.”
Following the first night, Tuesday night’s charity was HumaneCNY, and to round out the third special night is a dedicated night to U.S. Troops.
Tickets are available online and must be purchased before entering the show. The fest will run from 5 P.M. to 10 P.M. every night through Jan. 14th.
