In a tradition that has spanned over five decades, families from all around Fort Wayne gathered for the annual Night of Lights celebration, including one family who has been part of the event since the very beginning.
A Family Legacy at the Night of Lights
Sue Merz has attended the event for more than 50 years, a tradition she began with her daughter when she was just one year old. Now, her grandkids join the festivities, making it a multi-generational experience. “We just, we love it and now have grandkids,” Merz said, beaming with pride as she shared the ongoing tradition.
Merz fondly remembers the early years of the event, when it was held at the square with only a handful of people. “It’s just unbelievable really because when it was out at the square there was maybe 25 or 30 people, and now last year there were like 50,000 people,” she recalled, highlighting just how much the celebration has grown over the years.
Weather Doesn’t Deter Festivities
The Night of Lights, typically held during the early winter months, is known for its unpredictable weather, but that doesn’t stop people from showing up. “It’s just so exciting to see Fort Wayne come out and it’s raining. I mean, look at all the people here. We’re not fair-weather friends, we come rain, sleet, snow, whatever,” said Merz, emphasizing the community’s unwavering support for the event, regardless of the conditions.
For many, the event marks the beginning of the holiday season, and the colder temperatures and sometimes rainy weather only seem to add to the charm of the occasion.
A Celebration for the Community
Preston Wallace, the Director of Marketing for Downtown Fort Wayne, also expressed his excitement for the event each year. “It’s such an amazing tradition for people not just in Fort Wayne or Allen County but throughout Northeast Indiana and really throughout the Midwest region as a whole. It’s generational, it’s nostalgic, it’s iconic,” Wallace shared. He highlighted the sense of community the Night of Lights fosters, with families and friends coming together to celebrate and create lasting memories.
This year’s celebration included the highly anticipated lighting of Santa and his reindeer, a moment that always brings joy to the crowd. As Wallace put it, “This is what it’s all about, creating lasting memories for families and friends all throughout the region.”
A Tradition That Won’t End
When asked if there was anything that could stop her from attending, Sue Merz gave a simple answer: “No.” It’s clear that for Merz and many others, the Night of Lights isn’t just an event—it’s a cherished tradition that will continue for many years to come.
