Tonight's the 'Light' Night: The Big Bright Show Begins in Rochester

It's the night of lights and 'Lagniappe' in downtown Rochester.

For the sixth year, a crowd of thousands is expected to turn out as Rochester welcomes its much-loved Big Bright Light Show.  

This year, the start of the show is extra-special: last week, city leaders celebrated as Main Street fully re-opened to traffic after seven months of nonstop construction work in the city. Over the weekend, light posts were still being installed and other finishing touches were being put onto the downtown streetscape.

Tonight, the new downtown will be on display during the start of the show. Here's a look at what's planned:

• 6 - 9 p.m. Downtown shops and restaurants are offering customers to coincide with the Big, Bright Light Show's beginning. Also, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available at E. Third and Walnut streets.
• 6:20 p.m. Heart of the Hills Barbershop Chorus will perform on stage at East Fourth and Main streets.
• 6:45 p.m. The Big, Bright Light Show opening ceremonies will feature Channel 7′s Dave LewAllen, Santa Claus, the Meadowbrook Carolers and more!
• 7 p.m. As the crowd chants "Light the Town!" the Big, Bright Light Show will debut in downtown Rochester.
• 7:15 p.m. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and some of the reindeer at the stage. (Bring your own camera.) 

Also, the Rochester Downtown Development Authority invites you to bring new shoes and socks to donate to the Rochester Area Neighborhood House as part of the annual "Kicks for a Cause" collection. The drop-off spot will be on Main, just north of E. Fourth Street.

The lights will be on in downtown Rochester every night until Jan. 6.

For more about the 2012 light show, read: .

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