PREPARATION for this year’s Loxton Lights Festival and Light Up Day is already underway, with organisers anticipating it to be one of their best years yet.
Loxton Chamber of Commerce business and events manager Sonya Altschwager said despite everyone being in uncharted waters due to the coronavirus, organisers were still moving forward with both events.
“The festival itself should be fine because it’s about driving around in your own cars at night time and looking at the lights, so that absolutely won’t have an impact,” she said.
“In fact, we are anticipating one of our best years ever because people are spending a lot more time at home and (there are) a lot more opportunities perhaps for them to light up their houses and spread some of that warm Christmas cheer this year.
“But as far as Light Up Day itself, we can make certain adaptions to the event, if there is still some restrictions in place by the end of November – which we’re hoping is not the case.
“But it’s an outdoor event anyway so there’s lots of space, and we really want the fireworks to go ahead because we need to uplift the spirits of the community.”
The Loxton Christmas lights committee are well into painting and patching up of the displays, and are preparing to showcase an “exciting” new addition to the festivities this year.
The “peace, joy and merry” signs purchased last year from Rundle Mall are also currently undergoing complete renovations and will be placed in East Terrace during the Christmas period.
Ms Altschwager said it was “really important” both events went ahead this year and for the community to band together after such a difficult year.
“Christmas, after a massively disrupted year, is going to be more important than ever to be able to celebrate and come together as a community,” she said.
“We will do anything and everything we can so Light Up Day and the Christmas lights goes ahead.”