By Pete McIntyre

DVA ends coordination of Light Up

Dec 13, 2019 | 10:48 AM

Vernon may have seen it’s last Light Up.

The Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) has announced it will no longer be coordinating the event which was held Nov. 30 this year, and has been an annual tradition.

The business group has organized the celebration on several blocks of 30th Avenue for 26 years.

Executive director Susan Lehman says despite changes over the years, the “multitude of moving parts” that go into the three hour event are no longer sustainable for the DVA.

“Corporate sponsorship interest in the event, volunteerism, member participation and attendance has decreased over the past five years, while costs have, of course, increased,” said Lehman.

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She also says the event has drawn criticism from the public and their members.

“These factors have been weighed along with the public criticism of the event, and consistent feedback from some of our members that the road closure for this event has been a detriment to their retail sales or negatively affects access to their businesses,” Lehman added.

The DVA is hoping another group will take on the role of organizing a holiday event in the future, which Lehman says they would be willing to assist with.

“The DVA will continue to innovate in hosting events downtown with 24 events scheduled for 2020, and the same budgetary commitment to the entire holiday retail season downtown. The DVA appreciates that Light Up was a community tradition and holds many merry memories. This has not been an easy decision for the DVA Board and the DVA is committed to creating new holiday traditions in downtown that focus on the longevity of the season including promotions, events and decorations,” said Lehman.

by Pete McIntyre

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