On Friday, October 18, the City of Belleville Lighting Display and Gateway Signage Committee held a media conference at Jane Forrester Park to announce the plans for the Friday, November 15 launch of the Belleville Festival of Lights. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first Christmas Lighting Display which was created in memory of Billy Foster and Art ‘Sonny’ Culloden. To mark this special milestone the committee has a special program in place.
The 2019 entertainment lineup starts with Freddy Vette at the launch on November.15, and each Friday night until December 20 features live entertainment from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. Performers will include Hometown All Stars, Melanie Hilmi, The Wilkinsons, Valdii & Friends, and Robyn Scott. Each night includes DJ host Scotty Lalonde, horse-drawn carriage rides, plus visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For the first time, all activities and entertainment will be held on the east side of Jane Forrester Park with designated spectator areas. The launch on November 15 will close with a celebratory finale – fireworks at Freestone Point (weather permitting).
Belleville Transit will once again provide six nights of free charter service along a designated route. New this year is the Santa Shuttle Express on launch night, November 15, providing 15 minute rotations between the terminal and the park. The last bus from the park will leave at 8 p.m.
The Lighting Display and Gateway Signage Committee has decided to have the 60-year history of the Foster and Culloden light display captured in a documentary film they hope to submit to Docfest 2020. Those with a story they would like to share about Billy Foster, Art ‘Sonny’ Culloden, the family creating the initial display, the display, a particular visit, a child’s reaction, their first memory – are encouraged to email: lightdisplay@belleville.ca
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CITY OF BELLEVILLE
