The Downtown Rochester Big Bright Light Show will be illuminating the night sky with Christmas lights every evening from November 28th, 2011 through January 1st, 2012. Downtown Rochester's Big Bright Light Show is now in it's 5th year.

Click here for a photo gallery of the Big Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester.

Even if we did not live in Rochester Hills, my family and I would definitely travel to see the Big Bright Light Show. I spoke with Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Rochester DDA, a couple of years ago to interview her about how the show began, and what it takes to put it on.

Oakland County Moms: When was the first year for the Big Bright Light Show?

Kristi Trevarrow: It began in 2006.

Oakland County Moms: How many people does it take to set it all up?

Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Rochester DDA: It takes two crews working 7 days per week for eight weeks. We start it by October 1, and try to get it done before Thanksgiving so we can run a trial.

Oakland County Moms: How many lights do you use?

Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Rochester DDA: This year we used 1.2 million lights.

Oakland County Moms: How did the idea originate?

Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Rochester DDA: I was vacationing at Disney in Orlando, Florida and went to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. There were about 5000 people gathered around to see it, who then dispersed into the local stores. I thought it was a great idea. When I returned home, I showed a video of the light show to the DDA Board who also thought it was a great idea and agreed to do our own here in Rochester. The first year we opened it, we closed Main Street. This year's opening was the busiest so far, and also shut down Main Street.

Oakland County Moms:  Do you make any changes to it each year?

Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Rochester DDA: This year we tried to expand it to new blocks, and we've also added giant snowmen, a Santa train, carolers, nutcrackers, and an ice skating family.

Oakland County Moms: Who puts this on - the retailers or the DDA?

Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Rochester DDA: It is all done by the DDA.

Oakland County Moms: How is it funded?

Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Rochester DDA: It is funded through the DDA, sponsorships, and memberships.

The Big, Bright Light Show will run nightly from 6:00 pm – midnight from November 28th through January 1st. For more information on all Rochester DDA events, please call 248.656.0060.

Click here for Oakland County and Metro Detroit, Michigan Christmas Events and Holiday Activities.
Click here for Oakland County and Metro Detroit Santa Claus appearances for photo opportunities.
Click here for more Oakland County and Metro Detroit, Michigan events, activities and things to do.
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