Christmas at Bridge Point Drive-Through Evening Light Display Closed for 2022 Season
One of the most popular local holiday attractions in Lafayette has been shut down just days before Christmas.
Christmas at Bridge Point Farms was a bright spot for hundreds of families this holiday season, but after running into issues beyond their control late last week, Lafayette's first-ever drive-through Christmas light display is now closed for the season.
The announcement was made on the official Christmas at Bridge Point Facebook page, thanking volunteers, sponsors, and ultimately the guests for their love, support, and encouragement in their inaugural year of business.
Last Thursday (Dec. 15) Christmas at Bridge Point posted that they wouldn't be operating that night due to "circumstances out of their control."
Staff members were apologetic, informing their followers that they were doing everything in their control to obtain a permit that DOTD required in order for the light display to remain open to the public.
Once they realized the display wouldn't open on Thursday or Friday (Dec. 15 & 16) they issued refunds to customers who purchased tickets.
As they worked diligently to obtain the permit that was sprung on them going into the last weekend before the Christmas holiday, Bridge Point owner Deanna Head posted a message to Facebook followers, sharing more details on her efforts to get back open and operating as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, their team was not able to find a solution which has led them to make the difficult decision to close for the season and focus on coming back next year.
I spoke to Head who told me that she exhausted every option in an expedited fashion to get back open going into the week before Christmas.
After getting the email from DOTD, she looked into what it would take to get the temporary occupancy permit for the highway leading into Bridge Point in order to continue. After speaking with attorneys, traffic engineers, and consultants she realized it would be a minimum of 30 days to obtain what was needed to continue which led her to make the difficult call to shut down for the year.
I could hear the genuine sadness in her voice over the phone as she describe the joy that she witnessed from families and groups—some that traveled hours to "see the lights" at Bridge Point.
As excited as people were to experience Lafayette's first-ever drive-through light display, no one could predict how successful it would be, and the Bridge Point team has already hit the ground running with ideas for the next holiday season.
Speaking of which, the team at Bridge Point Farms also shared that they have "big plans" coming in 2023 when it comes to holiday-themed attractions and special events that will be shared with the public soon.
While we're sad to see them shut down just days before Christmas, we're glad that they gave us a few weeks of holiday cheer and look forward to seeing them next year!