Bright Nights is celebrating 30 years.
Reminder Publishing file photo
SPRINGFIELD — It may be hard to remember for many, but there was a time before lights adorned Forest Park each holiday season, before carfuls of families inched along the wooded, winding roads, oohing and ahhing and pointing out their favorite illuminations.
Bright Nights has been a staple of the holidays in Springfield since 1995. More than 7 million people have taken the 3.5-mile drive though Forest Park to see the lights. The program was named to the American Bus Association’s list of “Best of the Best” each year from 2020-2022. It was previously named to the organization’s Top 100 Destinations in North America list.
The program is a collaboration between the city’s Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management and the Spirit of Springfield, a private nonprofit organization that sponsors several city events, such as the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star-Spangled Springfield and the Golf Classic at Franconia Golf Course.
Recalling the origins of Bright Nights, Spirit of Springfield President Judith Matt said, “The park systems were not being used in the winter.”
Then-Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreational Management Patrick Sullivan learned about a lighted park in another state and sent the flyer to Matt.
The first designer that was brought in pitched displays that depicted traditional Christmas themes, but little that connected it to Springfield. “I said to them, ‘We have Dr. Suess, we have Milton Bradley.’” The next designer, John Catenaci, understood that Matt and Sullivan wanted Bright Nights to be a celebration of Springfield, rather than a generic light show.
The Bright Nights route was designed to take advantage of the natural topography of the park, Matt explained. Each section of displays is hidden from view by the slopes and hills of the property, resulting in a natural unveiling as vehicles turn each corner along the route.
To fund the first year, Matt said she brought sketches to the city’s financial “heavy hitters” to solicit donations. She credited Peter Pan Bus Lines founder Peter Picknelly with believing in the project and helping to secure funding. The $400,000 in underground electrical work required for the displays was “done on a handshake with Peter Picknelly,” Matt said.
Many of the companies and individuals that sponsored the first year of Bright Nights continue to help fund the event. Each year, the organizers must raise $160,000 before the season opens. This funding offsets the costs to the park, such as staffing and electricity, and use of the park.
Bright Nights runs seven days a week, from Nov. 27 to Jan. 5, although it will be closed Dec. 2-3.
Tickets are available beginning Nov. 14 online or at Big Y supermarkets. General admission is $23 per vehicle, however, there are a few dates with reduced pricing. On the first night of the season, the cost is $6 per vehicle, the same as it was in Bright Nights’ inaugural year. Meanwhile, Dec. 10 is “$10 Tuesday.” Matt said the Spirit of Springfield works to keep admission affordable, so it is accessible to everyone.
The proceeds generated by Bright Nights help to fund the Spirit of Springfield’s other programs and events but also to maintain the displays. At 30 years old, the displays, composed of about 750,000 lights need occasional maintenance but are overall in excellent shape, Matt said, praising the crew of about six Forest Park employees that set them up each year. “They’re so careful,” she said.
The displays have not been swapped out with newer designs over the years, although some pieces have been added. At a cost of up to $70,000 per display, it would not be feasible to change the lineup. Besides, Matt said, “People have their favorites. People do look forward to the dinosaur or the leaping deer. It’s magical.”
Bright Nights has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families. “It’s amazing what it’s done for the community and the park,” Matt said. She shared that Picknelly’s daughter, who had first visited Bright Nights when she was about 4 years old, brought her baby to see the lights last year.
Matt commented, “Hopefully, it will be there for years to come.”
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit brightnights.org.
