Security in place after Celebration of Lights vandalized

A local security company has stepped up to help after vandals damaged Sarnia’s Celebration of Lights last week.

A local security company has stepped up to help after vandals damaged Sarnia’s Celebration of Lights last week.

Hughes Intelligence Canada is voluntarily placing an overnight guard in Centennial Park after someone made off with power cords that cost the cash-strapped festival about $1,000.

The security guard will be onsite from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., said event chair Cathie Blake-Baker. The City of Sarnia helped get the displays reconnected, she added.

“We have a lot of people to be thankful for, just for this.”

The heavy-duty electrical cords were stolen or cut and organizers believe those responsible were after copper wire.

“How much copper are they going to get out of an extension cord? I’m not sure, but it can’t be very much,” Blake-Baker said.

Now in it 35th year, the Celebration of Lights will illuminate the waterfront nightly until Jan. 1.