Delco's FREE Festival Of Lights

Delaware County’s Annual Festival of Lights

Celebrates Three Decades of Holiday Cheer

                    Residents Can Enjoy Festive Displays Dec. 4-Jan.2

Delaware County’s annual Festival of Lights for Peace will literally brighten the holiday season when the illuminated display opens Saturday, Dec. 4, in Rose Tree Park, Upper Providence.

The public is invited to the Festival’s opening ceremony, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The program will feature remarks by Delaware County Council, holiday music performed by the Springton Lake Middle School Chorus, members of the Armed Services, a visit from Santa Claus and the traditional lighting of the trees.

Each year for three decades, the Festival lights up the Rose Tree Park landscape with 70 sparkling trees and colorful displays that depict toy soldiers, a miniature Courthouse, Santa and his sleigh, Frosty the Snowman, and Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

Council announced the 2010 Festival of Lights at the Tuesday, Nov. 30, council meeting, attended by members of the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Staff and Board members. The festival runs through Jan. 2 and is open 5:30-9:30 nightly. People are invited to walk through the displays, or observe them from their car.

 “Every year, Council is pleased to present this holiday display for the enjoyment of our families,” said Council Chairman Jack Whelan. “The Festival of Lights is a wonderful, free activity for people of all ages. Seeing the lights – whether you are walking in the park, or driving by -- puts you in the holiday spirit.”

In 2009, the Festival of Lights was revitalized with the addition of 10,000 LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights donated by PECO. LED light bulbs save money and energy because they burn longer, use less energy and are less fragile and more resistant to cold winter temperatures.

Marc Manfre, Director of Parks and Recreation, credits the LED lights for enhancing the Festival while saving tax dollars.

“The addition of the LED lights has been wonderful,” said Manfre. “Not only have we lowered our environmental impact, but the new lights have saved money and enabled us to boost our display with some new improvements.”

The Festival of Lights is free and open to the public.

During the holiday season, residents are encouraged to remember the men and women serving in the Armed Forces by sending a card or letter of support. Cards, letters or phone cards can be placed in a special collection box in the lobby of the Delaware County Government Center in Media.

The holiday card collection box is located next to the Armed Services Tribute Wall, which pays tribute to local men and women stationed overseas. Addresses for individual service members posted on the Tribute Board are available from the Public Relations Department, Room 226, in the Government Center.

For information about the Armed Services greeting card collection, contact Amy Larkin at (610) 891-4931.

IF YOU GO: The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 pm nightly Dec. 4 through Jan. 2 in Rose Tree Park, Route 252, in Upper Providence. Opening ceremony is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Admission is FREE. For information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (610) 565-7410.