Safety Officials Announce Changes For Circle Of Lights

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Local civic and public safety leaders have made several updates for this year's Circle of Lights event, which will take place Friday, Nov. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. According to Downtown Indy, Inc. these updates are being carried out as an effort to better address crowd control, security measures and spectator-experience enhancements. Downtown Indy, Inc. says these updates to the 55-year holiday event include moving the performance stage from the steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to the north spoke of Meridian Street (adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral).

According to DII, the Circle of Lights is the largest, single-day, free community event that takes place annually in Indiana. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the live televised show running from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on WTHR-13. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to see entertainers chosen from statewide auditions, and four professional acts. Performers include Sandi Patty from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s IPL Yuletide Celebration; Dance Kaleidoscope’s Mariel Greenlee from World of Christmas; Broadway in Indianapolis’ Ralphie from A Christmas Story and the cast from the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s Lilly presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol..

“Our goal is to maximize the space available on the Circle for the best enjoyment by our growing crowds,” said DII President Sherry Seiwert, in a release. “Each year, we sit down with our great public safety professionals from IMPD, IFD, State and Capitol police and others to determine event flow, public access, security protocols, etc. The movement of the stage to the under-utilized north spoke of the Circle will facilitate greater viewing opportunities for more spectators while ensuring the highest safety protocols.”

DII said IMPD Police Chief Bryan Roach confirmed a full commitment to public safety, along with IFD Chief Earnest Malone. DII reports both chiefs reinforce that the high level of security for the Circle of Lights is due to the growing size of this event, and not based on any specific safety concern or threat. The Circle of Lights area will be secured with hardened closures making it a pedestrian-only event, one where no vehicles will be permitted to drive within the event footprint.

“Thousands attend the Circle of Lights each year and many who come have their traditional gathering and viewing spots mapped out well in advance,” said DII senior vice president of marketing/events Bob Schultz. “We wanted to get the word out sooner than later that a few changes are afoot and encourage the public to ‘know before you go’ for a smooth transition.”

Additionally, Downtown Indy, Inc. announced that certain items will not be permitted by the public in order to accommodate the expected large crowds, including:

• chairs,
• pop-up tent,
• weapons/firearms,
• coolers,
• bicycles and
• animals (except for service-animals).

In addition to the viewing area in front of the stage, DII says spectators can watch the evening’s entertainment at three "viewing plazas" located around Monument Circle on large screens.

The Monument light-up will occur at approximately 7:55 p.m. Then, the Fireworks Finale presented by Salesforce will conclude the festive fun. After the Monument is lit, head to Carson’s Department Store for free Selfies with Santa from 8 p.m. 10 p.m

For more information, visit downtownindy.org.

Darron Cummings/Associated Press