I have visited Rochester Michigan to view the beautiful lights that cover the storefronts several times during the holiday season but never for the actual event when they are officially turned on. Parking was my biggest challenge when I decided to attend this year’s official start to the Big, Bright Light Show 2010 during the Lagniappe celebration. The show attracts over one million visitors to Downtown Rochester and they all seemed to be there at once for excitement and count down.

The buildings of Downtown Rochester are covered in more than 1.5 million points of light every six inches according to the Downtown Rochester website. The buildings are lit nightly beginning Nov. 29 through Jan. 2, 2011, from 6:00 pm to midnight. This is the fifth year of the Big, Bright Light Show and it is unlike any in the Midwest. The lights begin at the South Bridge and extend north to Romeo Road along with the buildings on Fourth Street from Walnut to Water Street. And if, like myself, you wonder how all those lights get there, here are a few details about the crew.

It was really a big party with music, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and true holiday spirit complete with tents for food & hot drinks. I was able to visit the main points including The Rochester Mills Beer Co. on Water Street, which is adorned with 75 giant snowflakes that flash to the beat of holiday music. The traditional Christmas tree on University was my last stop, which has been transformed into the Dazzling Tree of Lights, with blinking lights covering much of the tree. The stores were beautifully decorated and it will take at least another visit (without the massive crowds) to appreciate all that downtown Rochester Michigan has to offer especially during the holiday season.