LOCALS and tourists alike have swarmed to visit the Neon Lights set up in central Swan Hill as a summer treat for the region.
Almost two-year-old Jimmy Bett and his older sister Joanie, four, were some of the many visitors this week who enjoyed the glowing angel wings, balloons, a dog on a lead and flowers.
This display will continue until January 16, so anyone yet to explore the light-filled wonderland can experience an exciting summer night under the stars.
“It’s an opportunity we don’t often get,” Swan Hill Rural City Council mayor Jade Benham said.
“When the economic development unit staff brought the opportunity to the council’s attention, the council’s eyes – pardon the pun – lit up.
“It’s a bit of fun after events like the tennis were cancelled.
“We wanted something to put on that we knew would not be cancelled and that everyone could enjoy in a COVID-safe way.”
People have been craving events and the neon light set up will certainly give the community something different.
Cr Benham said she hoped it could continue next year, building off this year’s pilot to create a neon lights trail through the region.
“We’re not hosting New Year’s Eve events, just as we didn’t last year, because of the exorbitant cost of $30,000 for not a great return with not a lot of people attending,” Cr Benham said.
“The neon lights set-up is a win-win because the artist Carla O’Brien’s intention is to light up social media with photos of her work.
“So locals and those from outside the region are posting heaps of photos of both the lights and the town.
“Everyday people are acting as tourism ambassadors for Swan Hill.”
While a self-confessed sports jock, Cr Benham was an arts student and she said she loved interactive art installations that get people involved with art, and Carla O’Brien has had installations around the world.
Katy Perry was photographed with Ms O’Brien’s angel wings at the Burning Man Festival in the US, while she has also produced work for White Night in Melbourne.
Despite her worldwide acclaim, Cr Benham said the cost is nowhere near what the council was previously spending on New Year’s Eve events and, with all the social media attention on the town, the council is really getting “bang for their buck”.
Cr Benham particularly congratulated the council’s economic development unit staff for bringing this opportunity to the Swan Hill community.
