Full Evening of Entertainment, Holiday Giveaways Slated for Light Up Night
By Julie Perine on November 28, 2017
Another night of holiday magic is slated for Light Up Night 2017. It all takes place Thursday evening on Bridgeport’s Main Street corridor.
“The highlight of the ceremony is the flipping of the switch – lighting the city Christmas tree – and by fireworks,” said Brad Ford of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport. “We’ll also have the combined choirs of Simpson, Johnson and Heritage Christian schools. They definitely make the Christmas magic happen and it’s a wonderful way to get the evening started.”
Beginning at 7 p.m., opening remarks will be provided by Ford and ABB President Mark Bonamico. Mayor Andy Lang will do the honors of lighting the tree. Also making an appearance on the Civic Center balcony will be Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will meet and greet with children following festivities. 
Prior to the ceremony, community businesses and other groups will be setting up tents along Main Street with some early entertainment to set the atmosphere. The Bridgeport High School Jazz Band will play from 6-7 p.m. on the Main Street stage - just across from the Civic Center - and vocalist Josh Oldaker will perform near Almost Heaven Desserts at the Center Street intersection. Just prior to the 7 p.m. ceremony, near the Civic Center, will be a performance by the Bridgeport High School Danceline.
Following the ceremony, community residents can browse vendor booths and receive free holiday-time sweet treats and other giveaways.
“People will have the opportunity to walk along Main Street to receive treats from the businesses,” Ford said. “There is always a good number of tents because of the support from our businesses. Every year, we stretch further down the street and this year we are further down Main Street than ever before.”
Giveaways will range from cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes to homemade donuts, novelties and treat bags, Ford said.
As residents meander Main Street, sample goodies and visit with one another, entertainment will take place at various locations. Ben DeFazio will perform near Almost Heaven Desserts, Pandemonium – the Bridgeport Middle School steel drum band – will perform at the Chandler Building and Brandon LeRoy will sing in front of Bridgeport Fire Department.
“Light Up Night is one of my favorite performances of the year,” LeRoy said. “It is so amazing to see the whole community come out together for an evening to ring in the holiday season and have so much pride for our small town. From small children to older adults, it is always an incredible feeling to be singing on stage and look out into the street and see friends, family and neighbors.”
LeRoy will be singing a variety of Christmas tunes, from the classics to today’s holiday hits. Included will be songs by Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Pentatonix, Celine Dion and other artists.
“Alongside of me will be Gigi Collett, owner of ‘I Sing with Gigi’ music studio in Grafton,” LeRoy said. “She has sung with me these last couple of years and it is always a blast to have her with me to celebrate this amazing event.”
Also providing entertainment will be Montani Cantani.
Light Up Night, which always draws an enormous crowd, will end around 8 p.m. Main Street traffic will be rerouted from approximately 5 through 8:30 p.m.
Editor's Note: Photos from Light Up Night 2016 are by Ben Queen Photography.
