The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival underway

Key Concepts

• Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: An annual holiday event in Chicago.
• Grand Marshals: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
• WinTrust: A sponsor of the event.
• Lights Festival Lane: A pre-event activity area.
• Syndication: Broadcasting the event across the United States.

34th Annual WinTrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The interview with Kimberly Bears, CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association, details the 34th annual WinTrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago. The event is described as a significant holiday tradition, marking the beginning of the holiday season just before Thanksgiving.

Event Highlights and Attractions

• Grand Marshals: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort are serving as the grand marshals for the parade.
• Lighting Ceremony: Approximately 1 million lights will be illuminated on 200 trees along Michigan Avenue.
• Giant Balloons: The festival will feature large helium balloons, including a prominent Lincoln balloon, referencing Illinois's connection to Abraham Lincoln.
• Entertainment: The event will include performances by various talents, such as the Leo High School choir, Plain White T's, and Club Nuvo, along with bands.
• Parade Climax: The parade concludes with Santa Claus, featuring a large Santa float.
• Fireworks: The celebration culminates with the WinTrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.

Evolution and Growth of the Festival

• Origins: The festival began 34 years ago as a small procession on the sidewalk, initiated by volunteers who lit lights block by block.
• Current Scale: Today, the event attracts an estimated one million attendees and is a full-day affair.
• Free Access: All activities are free of charge for attendees, made possible by the support of sponsors.

Sponsorship and Reach

• Key Sponsors: Major sponsors include WinTrust, KIA, and the state of Illinois through Enjoy Illinois (Illinois Office of Tourism).
• Syndicated Broadcast: The event is syndicated, allowing people across the United States to watch it even if they cannot attend in person.

Core Appeal

Kimberly Bears attributes the festival's enduring popularity to the "joy that it brings" and its position as the "number one place to experience the joy of the holiday season." The presence of beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and the ultimate arrival of Santa, contribute to this festive atmosphere.

Conclusion

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a long-standing and evolving tradition in Chicago, offering a comprehensive holiday experience. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a large-scale event featuring impressive light displays, diverse entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks finale. The festival's accessibility, with free activities and a syndicated broadcast, ensures its widespread enjoyment and reinforces its status as a premier holiday celebration.