Published: 11/23/2022 12:19:30 PM
Modified: 11/23/2022 12:19:19 PM
GREENFIELD — “Light Up the Fairgrounds” is returning to the Franklin County Fairgrounds, with more holiday cheer and brighter lights than ever before.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Ericka Almeida, development director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County, which has put on the event since 2020. “We have lots of new participants this year. Some are returning and they’ve expanded their displays. This is really what this is all about — bringing the whole community together.”
Based on Springfield’s Bright Nights, the drive-thru event will involve a juried selection of 40 holiday light displays, according to Almeida. The event, which will run three weekends beginning Friday, serves as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter and the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
A minimum of $5 per vehicle is requested per vehicle.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters was the catalyst for this event initially,” Almeida explained. “Working with the fairgrounds, they’re giving us that space in kind so it only made sense to contribute back, and then who doesn’t want to support our incredible dog shelter? The sheriff’s office has done an incredible job getting that established.”
Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite displays, she said, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top two businesses and two individual entries.
“There are some extraordinary displays,” she said. “This is a very Franklin County event. We love that it’s local organizations that can bring holiday cheer. Many of them are nonprofits, so they’re bringing this to their constituency, which is just incredible.”
This year, guests will also have the opportunity to view the lights from a horse-drawn wagon, said Michael Nelson, president of the Franklin County Agricultural Society that runs the fairgrounds.
Tickets for wagon rides can be purchased in advance online at bit.ly/3ACQhHU. Nelson said there are four time slots available, with 15 seats per wagon at $7 per person.
“We’re very excited it’s all come together and that it’s a new way we’re able to expand viewing for the event,” Nelson commented.
Nelson is excited to be able to continue sharing the fairgrounds in new ways.
“This event has definitely become one of my favorite events up at the fairgrounds, as we continue to expand our programming,” he said. “This really gives us the ability to keep the facility open more months of the year and build the community spirit up at the fairgrounds. We’re excited to continue this new tradition and build some holiday spirit in our community, while at the same time fundraising for three important nonprofits in our region. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Following Friday’s kick-off, Light Up the Fairgrounds is scheduled to run for three weekends: Nov. 25 to Nov 27, Dec. 2 to Dec. 4, and Dec. 9 and Dec. 11. Each evening starts at 5 p.m. and the last vehicle will be allowed to enter the fairgrounds at 8 p.m.
Queuing for the event will be via Laurel Street to Fairview Street and will wrap around the fairgrounds to the main entrance.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.