Why fewer holiday lights will adorn Market Street trees this year

Oct 31, 2024

Work is underway to create a sustainable lighting program on historic Market Street in downtown Corning.

The Gaffer District is in the second year of a revised holiday lighting plan as it prepares for the upcoming Crystal City Christmas holiday season, which begins with Small Business Saturday and is followed by the Parade of Lights, the 50th Sparkle and more.

As part of the plan, the scope of the lighting was reduced.

"Last year, due to rising maintenance costs, Corning Intown District Management Association made the difficult decision to reduce the number of lit trees along Market Street from 148 to 52,” said Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of the Corning Gaffer District.

The remaining effort is focusing on Centerway Square, crosswalks, and intersections.

Fabrizi said since that decision last year, the CIDMA board of directors decided to invest in the hiring of a holiday lighting design firm that specializes in downtowns like Corning.

The firm will begin its evaluation in November, gathering information about the infrastructure and options for developing a sustainable decorative lighting plan.

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During the evaluation process, there will be opportunities for the public to provide input. More information about that process will be shared in the coming weeks.

"The change last year was not made lightly," Fabrizi said. "It was a proactive step toward ensuring a sustainable and bright future for our holiday traditions. Our top priority is to preserve the charm of downtown Corning, which has become a cornerstone of our community identity, especially during the Christmas season.”