Holiday season gets a special ‘Glow’ as light festival opens

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on November 24, 2023.

Herald photo by Al Beeber Visitors get a sneak preview Wednesday of the Glow Christmas light display that runs Thursdays to Sundays at the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre until New Year's Eve. Six countries are represented in the dazzling display.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The inaugural Glow Lethbridge has officially kicked off and hundreds will be able to take part on the festive light festival at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre during the holiday season.

Lethbridge and District Exhibition CEO Mike Warkentin spoke to reporters Wednesday night during a sneak peek event and said their whole team is excited about the reception Glow has received so far and how it has put them in the holiday spirit.

“This is glow around the world. There are six countries – People’s Republic of China, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, India and the United Kingdom. It really is a unique feel when you enter every different international component, or every different international pavilion through the show. You do get a feel for how they celebrate the holiday season,” said Warkentin.

 He said it is a very special thing for the community, something they have never been able to do until now, and he is excited to be able to bring this type of show to Lethbridge.

“We have some very special holiday treats throughout the show over the next couple weeks. The big guy is not here tonight, but Santa will be attending the rest of the nights. There are free pictures with Santa with admission to the show,” said Warkentin.

 He said they also have musical acts performing most nights, including some community choirs and up-and-coming local musicians who are going to hit the stage to spread holiday joy.

 “I should also add that there’s a lot for the family to do. There is a kids area – it will be certainly hard to pull your kids out of there, is a lot of fun. There’s a craft area, there’s festive food and beverage, there’s really something for every age group, something for every sense, we have it here at Glow Lethbridge,” said Warkentin.

He said he believes there is over a million lights on display at Glow Lethbridge, lighting up the different fixtures that are part of the travelling exhibit.

“This is definitely a touring show. This comes out of Langley, B.C. and it has been to other markets. It moves around North America. So it is exciting that we have the opportunity now to bring this type of show to Lethbridge. This is exactly what we wanted to bring when we started to build the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre,” said Warkentin.

 He said the building gives them the opportunity to showcase different travelling events that the city in the past has not been able to host due to the lack of a venue with enough space.

When it comes to be able to showcase a winter light display indoors, Warkentin said they are very fortunate to have the space to do it.

“We are very excited to be able to offer that component where people can come in, warm up, grab a hot chocolate if they want to or a festive drink, and enjoy everything the holiday spirit has to offer here, including some of our other festival events that are taking place over the next couple weeks in the warmth of the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre,” said Warkentin.

Glow Lethbridge will run Thursdays through Saturdays each week for the next six weeks, from now until New Year’s Eve.

 Thursday to Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

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