Simcoe Panorama — lighting up lives for over 60 years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2019

Queen’s Park – Local MPP Toby Barrett took time in the Ontario Legislature today to talk about Ontario’s first and best festival of lights – Simcoe Panorama.

The official light up of the park is this Saturday, November 30th at 6 p.m. Barrett said it is one of the highlights of the year in the area.

“Simcoe’s Festival of Lights has been brightening the lives of those near and far for over 60 years,” Barrett told members of the Legislature. “Over those years, things have changed, but the volunteer committee prides itself with balancing progress with tradition.”

When the festival lights up there will be over 60 displays that fit into one of the three categories – religious, traditional or fantasy.

“The majority of the displays are three-dimensional and they’re built by committed volunteers,” Barrett said. “For those of us who remember, the displays hearken back to the old department store Christmas windows.”

Barrett invited members of the Legislature to visit panorama between November 30th and January 5th. Each afternoon the lights come on at 5:30 and are on until 11 p.m.

Official Hansard

Mr. Toby Barrett: Ontario’s first and best festival of lights—Simcoe Panorama––is set to illuminate the night and the spirit of all who witness its grandeur.

Over the past few weeks, workers and volunteers have been in full swing wrapping Simcoe’s Wellington Park in Christmas magic. It’s a sure sign we’re about to embark on the holiday season—shopping, visiting with friends and family—and of course, for the little ones, it means the arrival of Santa.

Simcoe’s festival of lights has been brightening the lives of those near and far for over 60 years. Over those years, things have changed, but the volunteer committee prides itself with balancing progress with tradition. There’s now over 60 displays. They fit into three of the original categories: religious, traditional or fantasy. The majority of the displays are three-dimensional, and they’re built by committed volunteers. For those of us who remember, the displays hearken back to the old department store Christmas windows. Speaker, there’s also a horse-drawn trolley rides, a Christmas market and, of course, Christmas carolling.

This year, the official light up of the park is Saturday, November 30, this coming Saturday, at 6 o’clock. It’s indeed one of the highlights of the year—certainly for me and definitely for the Christmas season. I invite all to come and see the sights and sounds of Simcoe Panorama. The festival runs until January 5, 5:30 to 11 at night daily.