About 100,000 people from Langley and neighbouring municipalities attended the Township of Langley's new event, Holiday Lights in Williams Park last month.
From opening day on Dec. 9 to 29, more than 33,000 vehicles drove through the loop in Williams Park to enjoy 180,000 lights and festive displays.
Volunteers with the Aldergrove Food Bank were also on-site for the event's duration collecting monetary donations, which raised a total of $55,498.
"We're just happy to be collecting for the Aldergrove Food Bank and work alongside the Township of Langley, " Laureen Mahe-Klaassen, founding educator at LFS, said.
Township Mayor Eric Woodward called the event "a tremendous success."
"I want to thank all the staff, volunteers, and sponsors who helped put on this event to make it so great for the community and underscored the important of providing accessible and joyful experiences for our residents," he said.
Kevin Muirhead, the special event manager for the Township of Langley, estimated 180,000 lights were installed for the first year of the free drive-through event.
"That includes spotlights and other decor," Muirhead told Black Press Media.
The event received $32,500 in sponsorships to offset operational costs.
Last year, council voted six to three for an option that includes spending $140,000 for new lights, plus $110,000 this year for operational costs, for an entirely Township-run version of the event.
In an email to The Star, a Township spokesperson said a total cost is not yet available.
This year, the Township of Langley took over hosting the annual Williams Park light drive-through light display, which used to be operated by the volunteer-run Christmas in Williams Park Society.
