Vernon Winterfest Lights To Stay On During Holidays

VERNON, CT — Municipal officials in Vernon are making good on their promise to keep the Winterfest lights on after an overwhelming response last week.

A total of 1,054 vehicles passed through Henry Park Friday and town officials were worried not everyone was able to see the display. Cars were backed up for miles.

Thus, the display will be illuminated 4 to 10 p.m. each day through the holidays.

"Our residents have told us that they really enjoyed Winterfest and that they want to be able to continue to experience all of the holiday lights that our Parks and Recreation and Public Works employees put in place," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "We are glad to leave the lights illuminated so that people can come through again, and so those who missed Friday’s event can enjoy the lights too."

Amy Watt, Vernon’s Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, said about 90 percent of the lights put in place for Winterfest will remain illuminated. Those that were powered by generators will not be lit, she said.

Winterfest annually kicks off the holiday season in Vernon and had traditionally taken place in Downtown Rockville. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was transformed
to a drive-through =event at Henry Park.