Festival Of Lights Delivering Happiness Amidst A Difficult Year
The Festival of Lights at River Forks Park has seen an increase in attendance this year as it has meant a lot to families during a difficult year. “The fact that were having the festival at all is a miracle,” Event Organizer Brian Prawitz said. “We didn’t have the nutcracker but were happy to have the festival. When we opened up, people were so thankful and happy it was open. We raised twice as much food as we’ve ever donated on our canned food night, so the impact is pretty unmeasurable.” The Festival of Lights is using an e-ticket process this year due to Covid restrictions but the event continues on for it’s 28th year after starting in 1993. Kerwin Doughton the founder of the Festival of Lights has been battling cancer since earlier this year and has continued to fight on. “Kerwin is the father of the festival of lights, he’s sick, some of the reason we fought to have this was because how much this means to him,” Prawitz said. “He got sick back in May, he has cancer and made it through Chemo. Something is driving him to stay alive, he’s a treasure. We should have a statue out there of him, it was his vision. He mean’s the world to me and a lot of people.” “We cancelled candy canes, Santa bags, we aren’t making change at the check in. We have to have zero contact.” Prawitz said. “We’re getting data from Eventbrite from sales, from zip codes. Up to almost 2000 tickets sold, statistically we’re having 53% coming from zip codes outside of Douglas County. Shore Acres on the coast isn’t open, Albany and Corvalis closed their light displays. My favorite part is, Kerwin and I debated how many people are coming from out of the area. That is super good information, for us to market in the future. Bi-Mart has a $2 off coupon their running so were getting the word out. In a sad way, this could be a pivotal year for the Festival.” The goal of the Festival is 100% no contact with windows up as visitors show their ticket on the phone through the window. Visitors get to take in 90 different light displays containing nearly 500,000 lights and Umpqua Valley features that highlight special attractions in the area. “We’re definitely up and knew we would be, its a special year and its appreciated more than ever even with the holiday village and wagon ride being closed.” Prawitz said. The Festival is put on by the Roseburg Rotary Club. The operating hours are 5:30 - 9pm Sunday-Thursday and 5:30 - 10pm Friday & Saturday. There are two special nights remaining where visitors can enter for free on December 12 on Rogue Credit Union Night with a Rogue Credit Union membership card. On December 18 it’s Cascade Community Credit Union night with free admission with a Cascade Community Credit Union card. The cost per car is $10 plus a $2.24 processing fee and everyone is required to buy their ticket online to avoid an exchange of money at check-in. Visitors can buy tickets online here: uvfestivaloflights.com The last night of the Festival will be Friday January 1, 2021.