LAKE HAVASU CITY — Over the weekend, the Lake Havasu community had a chance to once again enjoy the most spectacular holiday display at the 30th Annual Festival of Lights.
Taking place on Friday, November 28, at 422 English Village, the yearly thrilling occasion was ornamented by the London Bridge Resort’s staff who teamed up with Kokomo Beach Club employees for the process of light decorations beginning as early as September of this year. As a result, over 400,000 jolly sparkles have been unveiled.
As tradition would have it, bold volunteer swimmers jumped into the cold waters of the channel from The Heat Hotel at 5pm to compete in the annual swim race for the switching on of that would turn the village into a festive magical world. Crowds began to accumulate as early as 4pm in anticipation for the arrival of the swimming participants.
Introduced by Emcee DJ Emcee, partaking swimmers arrived at the London Bridge’s stage at 6 p.m. The volunteers came from California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and other west coast locations to fill up a good bulk of the stage.
Placing a win at number 4, Aubrey Cardozo from Huntington Beach California made history by being the first female competitor to succeed in the high score portion of the contest.
Swimmers arriving from Heat Hotel to the docked Dixie Belle boat at London Bridge for 30th Annual Festival of Lights. Photo taken by Phaedra Veronique.
John Burn of East Village California placed his win at 3rd and won a $50.00 cash prize, while Uriigh Dix from Washington State won $100.00 and scored 2nd.
However, the number one champion of this year’s race was earned by Lake Havasu local Bradley Brown who got to turn on the exhilarating switch also obtained $250.00.
Attendees had plenty of shops to choose from and purchase various keepsake buys. It was also a night to relish in holiday fun like ice skating, along with visits from famous Christmas characters like the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The 30th Annual Festival of Lights has just begun so it’s not too late to enjoy the always dazzling scenery. This year’s lights will remain on view until mid-January of 2026. Visitors can seize the moments and explore the classic sights of Lake Havasu’s most wonderful time of the year.
