Commission praises expanded Festival of Lights; organizers report $710 in merch sales and about 1,000 cookies sold

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Jan. 14 heard a year-end debrief on the Festival of Lights, which organizers said was better attended and included new elements this year: a stage, an additional cocoa station, a parks merch booth, a food truck, a community singalong and a wish tree.

"The Festival of Lights event was very well-received by the community this year," Angela, who led the event team, told commissioners. She reported the Parks & Recreation booth sold $710 in merchandise and that organizers purchased approximately 1,000 cookies to meet demand. The event was live-streamed and those recordings were later posted to YouTube.

Commissioners praised the planning and increased professionalization of the event; multiple speakers singled out the work of volunteers, performers and city staff. Organizers thanked vendors and partners — including Julie’s Deli, Shanki Bakery, Bright Rentals and Silver Spot Nursery — and acknowledged artistic contributors and performing groups including Brisbane’s own Leanne Borghazi, Litman Middle School Orchestra and Brisbane Dance Workshop.

At least one public commenter asked organizers to shorten ceremony speeches for future events to avoid keeping children waiting in cold weather. Commissioners also noted a tree at the site was knocked over after the event during stormy conditions and suggested the incident be recorded as a lesson for next year’s planning (the event will mark its 40th anniversary in 2027).