Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

ESTLAND, MI - The Wayne County Parks kicks off the 2022 Lightfest season with the official opening ceremony on Thursday at Merriman Hollow Park in Westland located at 7651 North Merriman Road.

The "Lights On" ceremony on November 17th at 6pm is free and open to the public. It will also feature light refreshments, musical entertainment, and fireworks. The event will conclude with the traditional "flip of the switch" by Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, marking the official opening of the Wayne County Lightfest and illuminating the first drive of the season

"Wayne County is excited to present this year's Lightfest. Each year, this event serves as a bright adventure for families and this season will be no different," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "I encourage everyone to come out and drive the illuminated stretch of Hines Park and create memories with your loved ones."

In its 29th year, the Wayne County Lightfest continues to be a magical experience for visitors from Wayne and neighboring counties. Five miles of Hines Park will be transformed into a themed experience including more than 100,000 multi-colored lights and 50 animated displays. Visitors can make a stop at Perrin Park, mid-way through the show, to drop a letter to Santa in the giant mailbox, patronize the concession stand and use the restroom facilities.

Lightfest runs Wednesday through Sunday from November 17 through December 24 from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM. The entrance fee is $5 cash with additional fees for buses and limos. Visitors enter at Hines Drive and Merriman Road in Westland and exit onto Outer Drive in Dearborn Heights.

By tuning into AM 1640 within three to five miles of the Lightfest entrance, visitors can receive regular updates on wait times, traffic flow, special activities, and event cost.

As in previous years, the Wayne County Lightfest provides an opportunity for visitors to give back to the community. Toy Nights, an initiative that allows visitors to donate a new unwrapped toy in lieu of paying the entrance fee, will take place on November 23, November 30, and December 7. Commercial vehicles will not be considered for free admission.

The Wayne County Lightfest is co-sponsored by the Friends of Wayne County Parks, DTE Energy, ITC Holdings Inc., Fryz Services, Inc., Cole, Newton & Duran CPA's, Fox 2 News, Community Alliance Credit Union, Allied Building Services, SMART, Consumers Energy, and National Heritage Academies.

During the Wayne County Lightfest, Hines Drive will close to non-event traffic between Ann Arbor Trail and Outer Drive from 5:00 PM until 11:30 PM, daily.

For more information, visit http://www.waynecounty.com or call 734.261.1990.