Finally, the City is stepping away from the tradition of lighting desolate Constitution Plaza. This year, they will be decorating Bushnell Park, used by families and residents. The City of Hartford has sent the following press release:
A beloved 47-year-old holiday tradition in the City of Hartford is getting reinvigorated thanks to a strengthened public-private partnership. The Hartford Festival of Light® is moving to historic Bushnell Park from Constitution Plaza in order to add a new interactive family feature— an outdoor skating rink.
“Skating in the park will make ringing in the holiday season more than a day in the Capital City, it will be an experience for residents and visitors alike to enjoy over and over again,” said Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra. “By working with our team of gracious partners, we’ll be able to have Santa’s helpers in his workshop start building the rink the day after Thanksgiving so that families can enjoy the facility for approximately four weeks.”
The more centrally located venue for the event will make it more accessible to the Theatre and entertainment district and restaurants.
The event begins November 26th.
Update: Photos of the 2010-2011 Festival of Light display and times for skating.
Update: Info for Festival of Lights 2011-2012 (now called Winterfest)
maryellen
What a great move! I hope there is an increase in attendance too.
Brendan
But I like Constitution Plaza!
Kerri Provost
I’m surprised nobody thought to do this sooner. I like Constitution Plaza too, but trying to have an evening festival there is depressing. Whenever I have visited, there are only a few others out walking around. This is fine for romantic strolls, don’t get me wrong, but for those who have children, Bushnell Park seems like such a natural choice for this. First, children bounce better when they trip and fall on grass than when they do so on brick and concrete. There’s the carousel. There’s the playground. Unless one was dining at one of the very expensive restaurants on/along the plaza, s/he was making sort of a special trip out of the way for this. This is more visible to residents riding the buses and walking/biking by. People who are total idiots about parking can deal with easier parking. Seriously. Much better change. Walking by a vacant (moving into blight) hotel and the remnants of WFSB don’t exactly inspire warm & fuzzy feelings. Maybe when they all get their acts together and have shops open on Constitution Plaza when people will be walking around, it’ll make sense to move the festival back there.
Jennifer
I think it’s a great idea, though I will miss Consitution Plaza for sentimental reasons. Do you know if the carousel will be open during Festival of Lights?
Kerri Provost
There were signs on carousel building indicating some event there including Santa. I need to get a closer look to see the details.