Amidst the frozen flurries and finals studying of the week, Wednesday night’s Grand Illumination celebration provided a shining light in the winter chill for Charlottesville families, students and community members alike. A longstanding tradition, the 28th year featured a myriad of festivities before the main event — the lighting of a giant tree in front of Ting Pavilion. While the winter weather last week pushed the event to Wednesday, the wonderful whimsy of the evening prevailed.
After strolling the vibrantly decorated pathway and window displays of the historic Downtown Mall, the welcoming warmth of string lights illuminated vendor tents of food, crafts and more, lining the streets along Ting Pavilion. A winter wonderland of its own, projected lights turn the pavilion’s bubble into a snow globe-like stage, with live performances of festive music and dances as the center of attention.
The outskirts of the pavilion’s sphere, however, had no lack of spirit. From bounce houses and coloring stations, to live caricature drawings and photos with Santa, Glinda, Elphaba and Moana, children roamed this wonderland with expressions of awe and excitement…