Hines Drive To Twinkle And Shine As 2015 Wayne County Lightfest Opens For Holiday Season
LIVONIA (WWJ) - A grand opening ceremony complete with fireworks is being held Thursday night as the kick-off for this year's Wayne County Lightfest.
The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. on Hines Drive in Westland at the Merriman Hollow area off Merriman Road.
Lawrence Hemingway, director of Wayne County Parks, said more than one million lights will brighten up the night when the switch gets flipped at the Midwest's largest and longest drive-through light show.
"It is four and a half miles of over 50 light displays that are lit up on Hines Drive," said Hemingway. "It's spectacular."
Thursday's opening celebration will feature will feature music, entertainment, fireworks and light refreshments.
Lightfest takes place from Nov. 19 until Dec. 31 (closed on Christmas) and is open 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday though Sunday. There is a $5 fee per vehicle. You can enter the Lightfest at 7651 Merriman Road in Westland.
December 1, 8 and 15 are Toy Nights. On these three nights, visitors are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy in lieu of the $5 vehicle fee.
When you've reached the end of the Lightfest drive, don't forget to stop for a visit to Santa's Workshop, at Warrendale Park. Santa will be there starting Nov. 20 until Dec. 23. Children can bring their wish lists for Santa and drop them off in the giant mailbox, where Santa's elves will pick up the letters each night.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Although Lightfest begins at 7 p.m., Hines Drive will be closed to traffic beginning at 5:45 p.m. nightly.