Lights out at Explore Park as Illuminights wraps up successful year

The event gathered 40,000 guests over 36 nights

ROANOKE, Va. – The second year of Illuminights came to an end Saturday night, wrapping up another successful year.

“We were really excited to bring the kids, grandkids out to see Illuminights and celebrate the new year and new hope, new beginnings,” said Donna Hull, a visitor at the event.

People came from across the country, as far as Texas, to see the beautiful lights.

From the kid-loved sparkling unicorns to the fan-favorite shimmering river, year two of Illuminights proved to be magical.

“They’ve loved the fact that they’ve been able to come out and do something, even during these times in COVID,” said Alex North with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

New light displays and themes made the Winter Walk of Lights look a little different this year amid the pandemic.

Despite that, it was still a great success with 40,000 guests over 36 nights, and more than 450 pounds of canned food collected for the Agape Center.

“We had a great turnout this season and we’re just excited that we were able to have Illuminights this year and be able to create some memories for families around the area,” said North.

A bright spot, capping off a dark year and 500,000 twinkling lights done shining for now.


About the Author:

Jessica anchors 10 News on Saturdays and Sundays at 6 and 11 p.m. You can also catch her reporting during the week.