Festival of Lights

For Immediate Release

Festival of Lights Return to Benton Square
Benton, Illinois – November 30, 2015 – Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’? In the lane, snow is glistenin.’
A beautiful site, we’re happy tonight, walking round at the 2015 Festival of Lights. The Festival of Lights will be returning to the Benton Public Square on December 4th and 5th.

The event is co-hosted by the City of Benton and the Benton – West City Area Chamber of Commerce with support from the Franklin County Board Members & Officials, Garden Gate Garden Club, Town and Country Gardeners, BCHS Student Chamber, Local Individuals and Businesses, and private donations.

Festivities will kick off Friday the 4th at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music from a Christmas choir in Capital Park and Mayor Fred Kondritz. The Lights will be turned on at 6 p.m. and Santa will arrive in grand style on a firetruck provided by the Benton Fire Department. Afterwards, Santa will greet the crowds from 6 to 7 p.m. Attendees are invited to enjoy the lights in Malkovich and Capital Parks and wander the square to stop in at many of the businesses which will be open until 7 p.m. Curves and Fliptastics will be hosting open house events, and many Chamber Member businesses will be part of the ‘Chamber Winter Wonderland’ in Capital Park.

Kevin Edwards, chairman for the Festival of Lights, would like to thank everyone for their donations and hard work to make this event a huge success. ‘It’s great to see the community come together to bring back an event that recalls so many great holiday memories.’

Amid the twinkling lights, there will be music and food to enjoy. Stop by the 1st United Methodist Church from 4 – 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday for their Cookie and Candy Stroll to purchase your favorite holiday goodies. The BCHS Football Parents will be hosting a porkchop sandwich dinner in Capital Park Friday night from 6 – 8 p.m. Taylor Kearney will be performing during the dinner and again on Saturday from 1 – 3 pm. 33AD will be performing from 5 – 8 p.m. on Saturday and the Fish Company will be hosting the All Star Band at 7 p.m. as part of their 13th Anniversary Celebration.

And don’t forget about the man in red! Santa will be walking around greeting attendees from 6 -7 p.m. on Friday and 1 – 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For additional Information, check out the City of Benton Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BentonCityHall/ or call the Benton City Clerk at 439-6131/Chamber of Commerce at 438-2121.