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MEDIA RELEASE October 20, 2016
Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights adds new events to ensure it becomes Your Winter Tradition
(Niagara Falls, ON) – As the Ontario Power Generation Winter of Lights in Niagara Falls continues to grow bigger and brighter, this winter's spectacle also promises to be mammoth. A 3-D woolly mammoth light display is one of the new additions to the annual festival of lights. The mammoth display is part of the Canadian wildlife light displays at Dufferin Islands. This year's festival will feature 400,000 lights in Dufferin Islands alone - an increase over last year's 340,000. Tina Myers, Executive Director of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights highlighted this year's lineup during a press conference Thursday at Dufferin Islands. It's the 34th edition of the festival, which has become an enduring tradition for thousands of families in Ontario, New York and the rest of North America. “The Festival is proud to be taking the illuminations to the next level of innovation and design adding a wide spectrum of colour and animation to the destination," said Myers. Visitors to the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights will see:
• The historic and stately Toronto Power Plant building will come to life with 72 LED light displays choreographed to music.
• The architecture of the Canadian Power Plant will be showcased by 50 LED lights.
• Murray Hill will be aglow, basking in the lights of new coloured wall washers.
• Clusters of six-foot tall light bulbs along the Victoria Avenue Promenade in the Clifton Hill District will be a focal point for photo ops, whether they're family photos or selfies.
• On Lundy's Lane in the median of the hydro canal bridge, two eight-foot tall nutcrackers will stand
guard along one of the most famous and historic streets in Niagara Falls. There will also be three 12-foot tall candy canes and other large decorative ornaments at this location.
• Each Friday night at 9 p.m., Fireworks displays will light up the world-famous Horseshoe Falls. They're
presented this year by the Fallsview Casino Resort. Special fireworks displays will take place every night from Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve, Dec. 24 to 31.
• Laser Light Shows presented by Laser Quantum will be held Nov. 20 in Queen Victoria Park, Dec. 2 to
11 along Fallsview Boulevard, and Dec. 23 to 31 in the Clifton Hill District. They take place at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m, in between shows there will also be an interactive laser booth.
“Also new this year is the Deck the Falls walking tours along Fallsview Blvd. and other selected venues. One of the much-anticipated additions, Deck the Falls is a self-guided walking tour that allows visitors to admire Niagara's finest hotel lobbies decorated in their holiday best. Attendees can take in the giant Lite Brite, listen to live musical performances and sample some holiday appetizers along the way,” added Myers.
Participants will receive a pair of signature Deck the Falls souvenir mittens. The event run Dec. 2, 3 and 4 and 9, 10, 11 from 5 to 10 p.m. Cost $35 per person plus HST.
The Festival is in its third year of a five-year plan to create an even brighter interactive festival. Last year, the Festival attracted more than 1.2 million visitors to Niagara Falls and had an economic impact of $54 million. More than 61,000 cars and 300 buses toured through the displays at Dufferin Islands during the 2015/16 Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank the City of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Commission, OPG, sponsors, stakeholders and volunteers for their commitment to, and investment in the Winter Festival of Lights. The 34th annual event offers tremendous variety for all ages to experience and enjoy this special time of year – from traditional light displays and fireworks shows to the new holiday walking tour, holiday marketplace and 3D display show. I look forward to welcoming visitors at this year’s opening event on Saturday November 19 in Queen Victoria Park and seeing you throughout the Festival,” said David Adames Chair of the Winter Festival of Lights Board of Directors. “Our Winter Festival of Lights continues to grow, constantly improving the wintertime experience here in our area. Many already know that this event is a hallmark of winters here, and we would love you to come experience it yourself to be amazed and impressed by the incredible lights,” said Mayor Jim Diodati, City of Niagara Falls. The Winter Festival of Lights' Opening Ceremonies will be held Nov. 19 in Queen Victoria Park. Admission is free. Join local dignitaries for a free, exciting evening of high energy musical performances at 5:45 and 7 p.m., followed by the official flipping the switch to light up the eight-kilometre (five-mile) route of lights displays. The ceremony, of course, will conclude with a fireworks display over the Falls that is choreographed to music. Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights Who: Winter Festival of Lights When: November 19, 2016 to January. 31, 2017 Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario Why: Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights wants to be Your Winter Tradition Info: www.WFOL.com | Facebook: WinterFestivalofLights | Twitter: @WinterFestival Contact: Tina Myers, Executive Director Winter Festival of Lights 905374-1616 ext. 1| [email protected]
Chris Dabrowski, High Impact PR [email protected] Toll Free: 1-888-863-7912
About the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights
The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and breathtaking illuminations. The Festival takes place November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The eight kilometre Festival illumination route runs along the Niagara Parkway, past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and the surrounding districts of Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. The Festival’s iconic lighting displays, special events and attractions have become a tradition for more than one million visitors each year. Make it your winter tradition. For festival details including the Opening Ceremonies, Laser Light Shows, 3D Projection Mapping Shows, Winter Fireworks, Grand View Winter Marketplace and more, please visit www.wfol.com. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be part of the Niagara Falls community and the Winter Festival of Lights. For more than 90 years, OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric stations in Niagara Falls have generated clean, renewable power. Today, more than 99 per cent of the electricity OPG produces is free of emissions that cause smog or climate change. For more information please visit www.opg.com.
MEDIA RELEASE October 20, 2016
Brian Ceschin, Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator 905-374-1616 ext. 2 or [email protected]
Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights Flips-the-Switch to open its
34th season on November 19th with two free shows in Queen Victoria Park NIAGARA FALLS, ON. – The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights (WFOL) will kick off its season in grand style with its annual Opening Ceremonies event in Niagara Parks Queen Victoria Park on Saturday, November 19th. This event is free for the public to attend and features family-friendly entertainment including a cirque show, a Laser Light Show, a performance by the Niagara Star Singers plus fireworks over the Falls. In addition the 19th will be visitors first chance to see new WFOL illuminations along its 8km long lighting route. What: Opening Ceremonies of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights When: Saturday, November 19, 2016, Showtimes: 5:45PM & 7:00PM Where: Niagara Parks Queen Victoria Park Cost: Free Admission Opening Ceremonies is a rain or shine event “We can’t wait to Flip-the-Switch and start our 2016/17 season!” said Tina Myers, Executive Director of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. “Opening Ceremonies will be even bigger this year with the addition of a Laser Light Show to the already thrilling stage show, plus make sure you check out each section of our 8km illumination route to find the new displays that we unveil this season!” Be there in person at WFOL Opening Ceremonies to create memories that will last a lifetime. The event will take place rain, snow or shine, so dress for the weather. Paid parking is available in the Falls Parking Lot across from the Table Rock Welcome Centre and at the Skylon Tower. There is no admission fee to attend Opening Ceremonies, however voluntary donations are accepted by WFOL Ambassadors at Dufferin Islands. About the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and breathtaking illuminations. The Festival takes place November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The eight kilometre Festival illumination route runs along the Niagara Parkway, past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and the surrounding districts of Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. The Festival’s iconic lighting displays, special events and attractions have become a tradition for more than one million visitors each year. Make it your winter tradition. For festival details including the Opening Ceremonies, Laser Light Shows, 3D Projection Mapping Shows, Winter Fireworks, Grand View Winter Marketplace and more, please visit www.wfol.com. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be part of the Niagara Falls community and the Winter Festival of Lights. For more than 90 years, OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric stations in Niagara Falls have generated clean, renewable power. Today, 99 per cent of the electricity OPG produces is free of emissions that cause smog or climate change. For more information please visit www.opg.com.
MEDIA RELEASE October 20, 2016
Brian Ceschin, Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator 905-374-1616 ext. 2 or [email protected]
New displays will Expand the WFOL Lighting Route! Now measuring 8km in length the Festival’s Route will be brighter than ever!
Niagara Falls, ON – The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights is excited to Flip-the-Switch to illuminate the millions of lights along its expanded 8km long illumination route. The route will be illuminated nightly starting on Saturday, November 19th to January 31st, 2017, the lights will be on throughout this time from dusk to midnight. The Festival’s expanded route travels along the Niagara Parkway from the base of Clifton Hill past the mighty Falls, into Dufferin Islands and surrounding tourist districts including Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. Along the route visitors can enjoy the displays that have become favourites of loyal Winter Festival of Lights attendees including the Zimmerman Fountain, Noah’s Ark, the two storey tall Canadian/US Flag, the Canadian Mounties, three dimensional Canadian wildlife displays including Moose, Deer Geese, Bison, Foxes and Polar Bears, the illumination of the Skylon Tower, Floral Showhouse and Religions of the World Displays. Also returning for visitor enjoyment and photo opportunities are more recent additions to the Winter Festival of Lights like the lightshow on the Toronto Power Generating Station (tune into 100.5FM to hear the music for this show), the illumination of the Niagara Parks Police Building with Angel displays, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Reindeer leading Santa’s Sleigh, the Sylma in Dufferin Islands and lighting within the roadway Median through in Queen Victoria Park. New for the 2016/17 season the Winter Festival of Lights will be unveiling a number of lighting improvements. Included in this is the illumination of the Canadian Niagara Power Plant along the Niagara Parkway, DMX lighting will be used to wash the front of this historic hydro plant with changing colours. Further down the parkway near Dufferin Islands the Festival will have a gigantic addition to its three dimensional Canadian Wildlife displays with a prehistoric Wooly Mammoth being unveiled this season. Displays along Lundy’s Lane will also be expanded with new displays added to the median of the section of Lundy’s Lane that bridges across the hydro canal near the Falls Manor Restaurant. This median will become the new home to festive displays that include a Toy Solider standing at guard, large Candy Canes and Christmas ornaments. Clusters of six-foot tall light bulbs along the Victoria Avenue Promenade in the Clifton Hill District will be a focal point for photo opportunities, whether they're family photos or selfies. For a comprehensive look at the displays along the Festival’s 8km long illumination route please see the route map with legend on the next page:
Winter Festival of Lights 2016/17 Illumination Route Map
About the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and breathtaking illuminations. The Festival takes place November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The eight kilometre Festival illumination route runs along the Niagara Parkway, past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and the surrounding districts of Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. The Festival’s iconic lighting displays, special events and attractions have become a tradition for more than one million visitors each year. Make it your winter tradition. For festival details including the Opening Ceremonies, Laser Light Shows, 3D Projection Mapping Shows, Winter Fireworks, Grand View Winter Marketplace and more, please visit www.wfol.com. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be part of the Niagara Falls community and the Winter Festival of Lights. For more than 90 years, OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric stations in Niagara Falls have generated clean, renewable power. Today, 99 per cent of the electricity OPG produces is free of emissions that cause smog or climate change. For more information please visit www.opg.com.
MEDIA RELEASE October 20, 2016
Brian Ceschin, Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator 905-374-1616 ext. 2 or [email protected]
Thrilling Laser Light Shows return for 2016 WFOL Season Twenty-One nights of free Laser Light Shows are Presented by Laser Quantum
Niagara Falls, ON – The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights is bringing back one of its most popular free events from last season, Laser Light Shows. These high energy and dynamic laser light shows are a real crowd pleaser and make a fun night out for the entire family. Show Schedule
Niagara Parks Laser Light Shows: in Queen Victoria Park on Sunday, November 20th Fallsview Laser Light Shows: in parking lot at the corner of Fallsview Boulevard and Main Street. Nightly from December 2nd to 11th. Clifton Hill District Laser Light Shows on the Victoria Avenue Promenade across from Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works. Nightly from December 23rd – 31st, 2016 Duration: Each show is 15 minutes in length Showtimes: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30PM
“Our Laser Light Shows were so popular last season that we are bringing them back this season,” said Tina Myers, Executive Director of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. “At these shows you feel like you’re at a big rock concert or DJ show but the show is made with the entire family in mind, so not only will your children enjoy it but adults will really have just as much fun as the kids.” In between each show attendees have the opportunity to write a message or draw a picture in laser lights at an interactive laser booth. About the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and breathtaking illuminations. The Festival takes place November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The eight kilometre Festival illumination route runs along the Niagara Parkway, past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and the surrounding districts of Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. The Festival’s iconic lighting displays, special events and attractions have become a tradition for more than one million visitors each year. Make it your winter tradition. For festival details including the Opening Ceremonies, Laser Light Shows, 3D Projection Mapping Shows, Winter Fireworks, Grand View Winter Marketplace and more, please visit www.wfol.com. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be part of the Niagara Falls community and the Winter Festival of Lights. For more than 90 years, OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric stations in Niagara Falls have generated clean, renewable power. Today, 99 per cent of the electricity OPG produces is free of emissions that cause smog or climate change. For more information please visit www.opg.com.
MEDIA RELEASE October 20, 2016
Brian Ceschin, Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator 905-374-1616 ext. 2 or [email protected]
WFOL Winter Fireworks Schedule Announced! Wintertime fireworks shows above Niagara Falls presented by Fallsview Casino Resort
NIAGARA FALLS, ON. — The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights will be lighting up the skies above the iconic Falls this winter with its seasonal fireworks program. Presented by Fallsview Casino, the new fireworks schedule will include shows every Friday night at 9PM plus nightly shows December 24th – 29th at 9PM.
A total of nineteen Fireworks shows will take place this winter over the course of the Winter Festival of Lights season thanks to the support of presenting sponsor Fallsview Casino. The first show(s) of the WFOL season will take place as part of the Festival’s Opening Ceremonies celebrations in Queen Victoria Park on Saturday, November 19th, 2016 with massive fireworks displays concluding the two opening night shows.
“The fireworks series continues to be a winter highlight in Niagara Falls for thousands of spectators every year,” said Jennifer Ferguson, Director of Marketing Services, Fallsview Casino. “Building on nearly two decades of partnership with the Festival, we are proud to support this amazing community event that boosts our City’s year-round agenda of must-do, destination activities.”
“The stunning fireworks displays that light up the night sky are the perfect complement to a night out enjoying our light displays,” says Festival Executive Director Tina Myers. “We are thrilled to have Fallsview Casino Resort as the presenting sponsor of on our fireworks program this winter!”
2016-17 Winter Festival of Lights Seasonal Fireworks Program Presented by Fallsview Casino Resort:
Saturday, November 19th (WFOL Opening Ceremonies)
Fridays: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, January 6, 13, 20 & 27
Nightly: Dec. 24 to Dec. 30
New Years Eve: Saturday, December 31st at Midnight
All performances take place at 9PM unless otherwise noted. Fireworks schedule is subject to change; each show is approximately five minutes unless otherwise noted. As always, fireworks performances are weather permitting and may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
About the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and breathtaking illuminations. The Festival takes place November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The eight kilometre Festival illumination route runs along the Niagara Parkway, past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and the surrounding districts of Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. The Festival’s iconic lighting displays, special events and attractions have become a tradition for more than one million visitors each year. Make it your winter tradition. For festival details including the Opening Ceremonies, Laser Light Shows, 3D Projection Mapping Shows, Winter Fireworks, Grand View Winter Marketplace and more, please visit www.wfol.com. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be part of the Niagara Falls community and the Winter Festival of Lights. For more than 90 years, OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric stations in Niagara Falls have generated clean, renewable power. Today, 99 per cent of the electricity OPG produces is free of emissions that cause smog or climate change. For more information please visit www.opg.com.
MEDIA RELEASE October 20, 2016
Brian Ceschin, Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator 905-374-1616 ext. 2 or [email protected]
Let your Lights Shine for the Sparkle Lighting Awards The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights is looking for the best illuminated homes in Niagara Falls
NIAGARA FALLS, ON. – The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights will be accepting nominations from Niagara Falls residents for the 2016/17 Sparkle Lighting Awards presented by CogecoTV. Residents of Niagara Falls who are decorating their property with holiday lighting and exterior décor are invited to go to the WFOL website WFOL.com to submit their address with a photo as a nomination for the Festival’s annual residential & commercial lighting competition.
The Sparkle Lighting Awards began in the 1960's as a way to promote and nurture community involvement and festive goodwill during the holiday season by getting Niagara Falls residents to decorate their residential and commercial properties.
“We are on the search to find the best illuminated properties in Niagara Falls this winter, each season the Sparkle Lighting Awards remind us just how much residents enjoy decorating their homes for the holidays," said Tina Myers, Executive Director of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. "This makes it very difficult for our judges to choose just one winner for each section of the city."
The Sparkle Lighting Awards has three categories; Residential, Multi-Residential and Commercial. Participants are judged on their overall appearance, attractiveness, creative illumination, color coordination, and theme of their property when lit.
How to participate:
Visit www.WFOL.com to submit your nomination for the Sparkle Lighting Awards. Nominations open on November 19, 2016. Nominations deadline: Friday, December 9, 2016. Sparkle Lighting Awards Judging Night: be sure to have you lights on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 5:00PM to 11:00PM
When decorating your property with lights this season, the Festival recommends using LED lighting which is both energy efficient and cost effective. For more information on the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights or to enter the Sparkle Lighting Awards presented by CogecoTV please visit www.wfol.com About the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and breathtaking illuminations. The Festival takes place November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The eight kilometre Festival illumination route runs along the Niagara Parkway, past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and the surrounding districts of Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. The Festival’s iconic lighting displays, special events and attractions have become a tradition for more than one million visitors each year. Make it your winter tradition. For festival details including the Opening Ceremonies, Laser Light Shows, 3D Projection Mapping Shows, Winter Fireworks, Grand View Winter Marketplace and more, please visit www.wfol.com. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be part of the Niagara Falls community and the Winter Festival of Lights. For more than 90 years, OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric stations in Niagara Falls have generated clean, renewable power. Today, 99 per cent of the electricity OPG produces is free of emissions that cause smog or climate change. For more information please visit www.opg.com.
MEDIA RELEASE October 20, 2016
Brian Ceschin, Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator 905-374-1616 ext. 2 or [email protected]
Festival of Stars brings concerts back to the WFOL! Two-day concert series features beloved Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell, BJ Thomas (“Raindrops
Keep Falling On My Head”) & Mike Walker’s tribute show to Conway Twitty Niagara Falls, ON – In partnership with an International Concert Production company, Attila Glatz Concert Productions, concerts will be returning for the 2016/17 season of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. The concert series entitled Festival of Stars will take place December 4-5 at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines and will have an entertainment line-up that includes popular Irish crooner Daniel O’Donnell, Grammy winner BJ Thomas and Branson favourite Mike Walker performing his tribute show “Conway Twitty Remembered”. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Winter Festival of Lights, and give one more reason to visit Niagara in this beautiful time of year,” says Attila Glatz. “Our line-up of artists is strong and excitement is mounting for this inaugural series!” 2016 Festival of Stars Concert Schedule Sunday, December 4, 1:30 pm Daniel O'Donnell with his guests Mary Duff & Derek Ryan Sunday, December 4, 8:00 pm Mike Walter: Conway Twitty Remembered Monday, December 5, 2:00 pm BJ Thomas Monday, December 5, 8:00 pm Daniel O'Donnell with guests Mary Duff & Derek Ryan For tickets call 905-356-6061 or 1-800-563-2557, or visit WFOL.com for more details About the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and breathtaking illuminations. The Festival takes place November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The eight kilometre Festival illumination route runs along the Niagara Parkway, past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and the surrounding districts of Fallsview Boulevard, Victoria Centre, Clifton Hill and Lundy’s Lane. The Festival’s iconic lighting displays, special events and attractions have become a tradition for more than one million visitors each year. Make it your winter tradition. For festival details including the Opening Ceremonies, Laser Light Shows, 3D Projection Mapping Shows, Winter Fireworks, Grand View Winter Marketplace and more, please visit www.wfol.com. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is proud to be part of the Niagara Falls community and the Winter Festival of Lights. For more than 90 years, OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric stations in Niagara Falls have generated clean, renewable power. Today, 99 per cent of the electricity OPG produces is free of emissions that cause smog or climate change. For more information please visit www.opg.com.
