An archway of lights forms the spectacular entrance to the 2009 Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park. The annual drive-through light show claims to be the largest in the Midwest with 35 elaborate light displays that together include approximately one million lights.
The entire display is centered around Hines Drive, where families and friends flock by the carloads to see the show. And why not? It’s only $5 per car.
After passing through the archway it becomes apparent that this isn’t the typical cheesy Christmas light show.
Brightly lit Christmas trees and snowflakes line both sides of the road a few feet away from the entrance. The trees and snowflakes aren’t impressive figures alone. They aren’t unlike many that people place on their front lawns during Christmas time, but it is the enormous quantity that makes them a spectacular sight to see.
A little farther into the Lightfest, click here things start to become much more interesting. A larger-than-life- sized nativity scene depicts the birth of Jesus. Behind the nativity scene is a large sign promoting peace on earth – in lights, of course.
Down the road various Christmas-themed displays include ornaments, gift boxes, a train carrying toys, snowmen, nut crackers, reindeer, Santas and much more.
Many of these displays have moving parts to make them more visually interesting. The wheels on the train move back and forth, while the reindeer appear to be flying across the road, just high enough so that they can’t be hit by the cars passing underneath them.
The Lightfest offers much more than just an array of Christmas themed lights. There is also a very large Hanukkah display. The display includes gigantic, colorful menorahs and dreidels, the traditional four-sided spinning tops.
Many other random light figures seem to have no relation to the holidays. Swans, rainbows, frogs, grizzly bears, the American flag, light houses, a princess palace, teepees and even dragons are just a few of the misfit lights that add to the delightful assortment.
At the end of the light show, cars can park to visit Santa’s workshop. Inside, kids are welcome to sit on Santa’s inviting lap and have their photos snapped with the jolly fellow. All the usual suspects are there for purchase: hot cocoa, popcorn, and other refreshments.
The light show has a multitude of displays, but there are a few dead spots along the road where it appears to be in need of displays. Because many of the displays are sponsored by corporations, perhaps this is a sign of the times. But these bare spots are few and far between. The show goes on, in true holiday style, providing a literal bright spot in otherwise dark times.