Festival of Lights visitor total tops 22,000

January 5, 2011

Comanche Trail Festival of Lights officials are celebrating what they called the successful conclusion of the event's 14th annual run.

More than 22,000 people from 38 states and 14 countries passed through Comanche Trail Park to view the Christmas holiday event, which ended Dec. 31.
“We didn't get the 25,000 visitors I had hoped for, but maybe next year,” said Pat Simmons, long-time festival director.

The countries represented by visitors this year included Mexico, Japan, Germany, Bosnia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Norway, The Philippines, Canada, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, The Netherlands and Russia, Simmons said.

There were a few weather-related problems this year, the biggest of which was high winds which played havoc with some exhibits Dec. 30.

“Those winds knocked over eight of our large greeting cards … and destroyed the greeter's booth,” Simmons said. “Another problem we had was a stray dog that kept chewing on extension cords … I guess it was just hungry.”

For more information, you may subscribe to the Big Spring Herald or purchase an e-edition.