OU invited to enjoy bright lights, bustling city

Downtown Rochester glows with the radiance of 500,000 multi-colored lights during The Big, Bright Light Show

By Dawn Pauli, staff writer

The Oakland University community is invited to enjoy downtown Rochester’s Lagniappe and the lighting of The Big, Bright Light Show from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.

A free shuttle bus will be available to students between 5 p.m. and midnight. It will pick up students in front of Hamlin Hall and will drop them off at Third Street and Walnut. The shuttle bus, sponsored by University Housing, will run continuously until midnight.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to visit Rochester during one of its most spectacular events of the year,” said Lionel Maten, director of University Housing. “We hope students experience all that Rochester has to offer, including unique shops and a variety of restaurants.”

During Lagniappe, which is Creole for “a little something extra,” Rochester merchants stay open later and offer small gifts and treats to customers.

The Big, Bright Light Show, which will begin at 6:45 p.m., is hosted by Rochester Mayor Stuart Bikson and WXYZ-TV’s Dave LewAllen, and features a special appearance by Santa Claus. The lighting of the city, featuring a dazzling holiday light display boasting more than 500,000 points of light, will be at 7 pm. Children can visit with Santa from 7-9 p.m.

In addition, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available at Third and Walnut streets. The rides will run from 6-9 p.m. and are sponsored by Studio One Salon.

Starting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, and running through Sunday, Jan. 4, The Big, Bright Light Show will run nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The City of Rochester and Oakland University have enjoyed an amiable relationship since the university’s founding in 1959. The entities signed a formal partnership agreement in 2003, with the goal of sharing the vibrant Rochester community with OU students, alumni, faculty and staff. Downtown Rochester is home to nearly 400 retail, restaurant and service industry businesses.

For more information visit www.downtownRochestermi.com.