By Mark Scheer<br><a href="mailto:scheerm@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Mark</a>
The City of Niagara Falls will host a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Hyde Park this year thanks to the help of the United Way of Niagara and Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel.
During a press conference Monday at City Hall, Mayor Paul Dyster joined representatives from the United Way in announcing plans to conclude this year’s Holiday Lights of Niagara event at Hyde Park with fireworks, games and live music.
“We hope that this is going to become a permanent event in the City of Niagara Falls,” Dyster said.
Holiday Lights of Niagara started five years ago at Oppenheim Park in the Town of Wheatfield. The event moved to Hyde Park in 2006. This year, the event, which is free to the public, will feature more than 50 illuminated and animated holiday displays along Robbins Drive in the park.
This year’s event will kick off with a fireworks display on Nov. 26 and will end Dec. 31 with a family fun night that will also include fireworks as well as games for children and an appearance by the band, A List. The closing event is being sponsored by the Seneca Niagara Casino.
Earlier this year, the United Way asked the city for a $30,000 donation to support Holiday Lights of Niagara. United Way officials said the event cost the agency about $65,000 last year.
Dyster said city crews are now in the process of installing permanent lighting infrastructure at the park to support future Holiday Lights of Niagara events.
United Way President Carol Houwaart-Diez said the goal is to continue to build upon the event year after year through the support of the city and corporate sponsors in the area.
“They are helping us bring it to the next level,” she said.
The United Way is accepting display sponsorships through Nov. 1. For more information about sponsoring an animated display or to find out more about Holiday Lights of Niagara, call the United Way at 285-8461.
