Rochester Media was at the lighting ceremony of the The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester this year. Mayor Jeffrey Cuthbertson was there to welcome the crowd and to enjoy the festivities with his own family as well. This year was the first time that the lights began at the South Bridge on Main Street and extended all the way to Romeo Street. There were over 1.5 million lights on display – the most so far in the five year history of the event. 
The Western Knitting Mill on Water Street is home to the Snowflake Spectacular, sponsored by Roy Rewold and Frank Rewold – a dazzling display of over 75 giant snowflakes that flash to the beat of holiday music. The festivities also included the lighting of the traditional Christmas Tree on University. “The Big, Bright Light Show is holiday magic personified; it is something you have to see to believe,” stated Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “This holiday tradition is one of a kind, and the perfect complement to the one-of-a-kind shopping experience one will find in downtown Rochester.”
This year’s show featured Christmas carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a couple of Santa’s own Reindeer as well! Both children and adults alike were joyful and surprised with the holiday excitement in the air. In the tradition of Lagniappe, many of the downtown stores gave away free gifts and stayed open untill 9pm for the extended hours of operation.
The Big, Bright Light Show started on Monday, November 29 at 7:00 pm during the 38th Annual Lagniappe celebration and it will continue every night from 6:00 pm to midnight through January 2, 2011. Most stores are open daily Monday through Saturday until 9:00 pm.
The Big, Bright Light Show is sponsored by Frank Rewold & Son, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Sanctuary at Bellbrook, Rojo Mexican Bistro, Oakland University, Bank of America, Wesley Dental & Associates P.C., Michigan Humane Society, Michigan First Credit Union and the Rochester DDA. For more information, contact the Rochester DDA at 248.656.0060 or visit them online at www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or www.facebook.com/BigBrightLightShow.
About Tom and Ann Gendich