Cathy Dobson
Sarnians have an unexpected chance to keep the Celebration of Lights alive this year, but only if they step up right away.
The few members still on the board of the beleaguered lights festival say they have been inundated with emails, phone calls and Facebook messages from people deeply sorry to see the Celebration of Lights cancelled this year.
The outpouring of support has convinced the board to attempt a smaller version in Centennial Park if enough money is donated and volunteers sign up.
“We had no one stepping forward until we said we had to cancel,” said Bill Suisham, chairman of the 32-year-old annual event.
“But now we have people saying they are interested, and, if they mean it, I think we can do something.”
Board members are looking for teams of volunteers to each adopt one of 30 large displays. Each team will be responsible for moving its display out of storage on Nov. 5, making any necessary repairs, erecting it in the park on Nov.12 and removing it after New Year’s.
“We hope that by adopting a single display, each team will have a sense of ownership and a sense of pride,” Suisham said. “If enough come forward our park will be lit up.”
The six-week Celebration of Lights was started in 1984 with strong financial support from the Chamber of Commerce, tourism officials, small business owners and large corporations.
It attracted tourist buses and thousands of families to the park and encouraged the entire community to decorate for Christmas.
But it has evolved into a volunteer-only non-profit with no sponsors. Despite 200 requests for financial donations this year, only $750 was offered by three donors, said volunteer co-ordinator Cathie Blake.
Insurance alone costs $5,000.
It hasn’t helped that remediation continues to close the north end of Centennial Park and the city has no Showmobile or stage for the traditional opening ceremony with Santa.
And, like many other organizations, a handful of the same volunteers come out each year to do all the heavy lifting, said Blake.
“We need a lot more people.”
Prior to announcing the cancellation on Oct. 6, board members made a final attempt to fundraise by launching an online campaign at www.gofundme.com/2rm2343g.
However, 12 people contributed just $330 of the $10,000 goal over two week.
“We keep hearing stories about how great the Celebration of Lights is, but people have to step up or it will be gone,” said Suisham.
“We’re a little taken aback by how many say they don’t want it cancelled,” he added. “A lot of people are saying they didn’t know we were in trouble. But we’ve been saying that for years.”
“When we got all these people reacting to the cancellation, it gave us inspiration,” said Blake. “We’re not giving up without a fight.
“Maybe we’ll get a Christmas miracle.”
SAVE THE CELEBRATION
To halt the cancellation of this year’s Celebration of Lights with a donation of time or money, contact Bill Suisham at [email protected] or Cathie Blake at [email protected].
A Celebration of Lights fundraiser is planned for Nov. 26 at the Sarnia Legion, Branch #62. Tickets are $50 each for a turkey dinner and entertainment by the Dueling Pianos. Email [email protected] to purchase.