The Community Holiday Light Show, which was held Dec. 9-23 at Ballou Park, marked another big year for giving back to the community, with $17,706 raised for local organizations.
The Light Show has been an annual event since 2014.
“We’re so happy to have been able to have a full version of the light show in 2021, as we had to scale back Children’s Village and photos with Santa last year,” said Taylor Roberts, special events coordinator for Danville Parks and Recreation. “This year’s light show was a huge success, and we thank everyone who supported our event in any capacity.”
Every year, a portion of the proceeds go to local charities or nonprofits as designated by organizations or groups that win “Best-in-Show” for their light displays. "Best in Show" winners are determined by the number of votes their display receives by the visiting public.
Here is the list of “Best in Show” winners, with their designated charities/non-profits in parentheses:
- 1st – Trophy and Sign Center (God’s Pit Crew).
- 2nd – Dan River FFA (Claire Parker Foundation).
- 3rd – Old House Life and Ramsey Restoration (Friends of the Old West End).
- 4th – The Hughes Center (Smokestack Theatre).
- 5th – Goodyear (United Way of Danville Pittsylvania County).
- 6th – Danville Krampus (Danville-Pittsylvania County Cancer Association).
The amount of money donated this year for “Best in Show” to non-profits totaled $4,000.
Also, proceeds go to local organizations that volunteer to work the gates and traffic control. These groups earned $13,706.
Lidl, a repeat sponsor of the event, donated over 3,000 cookies for attendees to enjoy.
The 2021 Light Show welcomed 11,500 people; 3,189 cars; and 23 buses. The Children’s Village hosted 5,374 people, where 1,434 photos with Santa were taken.
Those wishing to take part in the 2022 Community Holiday Light Show by building a display or volunteering to work the gates can contact Special Events at (434) 793-4636. There is no cost to enter a display.