The Christmas season may seem a long way off, but the Festival of Lights Society is asking people to help get the LEDs out – as in light-emitting diode technology.
Since it first lit up the town in 1987, the Festival of Lights has grown “into a massively popular, annual event far exceeding the original vision and magnitude,” says a July 22 FOL release. “Over the years, the program has developed to include tens of thousands of lights, thousands of volunteer hours, and thousands of visitors.”
But up to now the lights used have been incandescent, because until recently LEDs “didn’t provide the glow and vibrancy” of incandescent bulbs says the release.
That’s changed, which means its also time to change the bulbs in Ladysmith’s spectacular six week display during November and December. LEDs are brilliant, energy efficient and durable.
“New LED technology today has significantly increased power savings, significantly improved luminescence, and significantly improved bulb durability,” says the release. “The new bulbs the society will go with are nearly indestructible.”
Besides, as of December, 2014 incandescent bulbs are no longer manufactured in North America.
“As a result, the Festival of Lights Society has to start converting bulbs to LED. This is an expensive transition but it is required and will only improve the light up program for years to come,” says the release.
The plan is to convert key areas of the downtown core and eventually replace most of the incandescent bulbs with LEDs in a staged process.
To make that happen, the FOL is asking people to donate money so the conversion process can begin. “Your contribution will assist the Society in achieving this vision and ensure that the Ladysmith Festival of Lights continues to ‘light up’ with even more brilliance than it ever has before,” says the release.
Find out more at www.ladysmithfol.ca or call 250-245-5888 or 250-245-2263