Crowds viewing the display of this year’s 29th Annual Festival of Lights at the London Bridge. Photo by Phaedra Veronique
LAKE HAVASU CITY – You know it’s officially the Christmas season in Lake Havasu when The London Bridge Resort lights up the lake at the 29th Annual Festival of Lights. The yearly festival of lights display launched on Friday, November 29.
For over 25 years, volunteer swimmers traditionally take to the challenging and chilly swim race throughout the channel. Participating swimmers gathered at the docks of the Heat Hotel at 5 p.m. to dive in for the hour-long swim to the London Bridge.
Many came out to see who would be this year’s winner at flipping the switch that lights up the season. Awaiting crowds could be seen gathered on top of the London Bridge as well as underneath around the bridge’s stage. Excited spectators eagerly anticipated the arrivals of swimmers ready to take to the stage and hear who won the race. Organized by event nonprofit I Love Lake Havasu, other local media was present at the event as well like River Rat Radio and Riverscene Magazine. It wasn’t just a winning chance at flipping the light festival’s switch but an opportunity to be awarded some cash prizes too.
Rudolph the red nosed host announced Stephen Cech of California won third place with a win of $50 while Bradley Brown of Lake Havasu got second place and a win off $100.
Last year’s winner from Lake Havasu, Josh Brandenburg succeeded in the race once more this year as he took first place again against all hopeful swimmers. Brandeburg won $250 and got to flip on the lights that transform the bridge and its surroundings into a Christmas wonderland. Over 500,000 lights shimmered around as crowds took part in visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause, indulged in hot chocolate, and plenty of holiday shopping fun.
The Festival of Lights at the London Bridge will be on display from now until Sunday, January 5, 2025. Don’t forget to bring your family and friends along to explore the magic of the year’s Festival of Lights.
Phaedra Veronique
