Holly Edition: Festival of Lights celebrates 13 years

The 13th annual Festival of Lights holiday celebration starts out this year with the kick-off party in Desert Foothills Park this Saturday, Nov. 29.

The party will play host to about 15,000 guests eager to participate in the festivities, Festival of Lights administrator Dixie Prosser said.

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"We estimate about 15,000, but there could be more," she said. "It is a free event and we have all-day entertainment; families are looking to take their kids out to have fun."

Prosser has been a part of the Festival of Lights Committee for three years and said she thinks this holiday celebration will be a great one.

"The preparations for the events are going well and all of our sponsorships are coming through."

The light display is a main attraction among residents with more than one million bulbs shining bright for the crowd to enjoy, Prosser said.

A carnival area for children will be open almost all day with about 50 different rides, inflatables and game booths, Prosser added. Parents can purchase a wristband at $20 for their children to have unlimited access to all the activities they can handle.

Adult attractions include a beer garden, craft vendors and restaurant row open to guests throughout the day.

"About 85 crafters set up tables to showcase their products and designs," Prosser said.

One of the main attractions will be the Girl Jam performance on the main stage beginning at 5 p.m., Prosser said. Local Radio Disney stars Jonnie and Brookie and Southern California Radio Disney stars Savvy and Mandie will perform original songs as well as cover hits from artists like The Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus.

"The Girl Jam is probably the biggest entertainment, but every attraction is worth seeing," Prosser said.

After the Girl Jam performances, a Harley Davidson parade will roll through the park with more than 100 riders showcasing their motorcycles and adding to the ambiance of the light display along Chandler Boulevard, Prosser said.

Paulette Pacioni, communications manager for the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, said she thinks the Festival of Lights is a great event for residents.

"The Festival of Lights is not only a wonderful community event, but it also gives residents the opportunity to shop locally; that boosts the Ahwatukee economy," she said.

For more detailed information on any of the Festival of Lights events, visit www.folaz.org.

Melissa Matyas is interning this semester for the AFN. She is a senior at Arizona State University.