NEWS RELEASE                         For Immediate Release, 2009

Contacts:       Tom O'Donnell, 317.931.3611, Quality Connection

                        Jennifer Hanson, 317.237.2202, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.

Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 kicks off the holiday season Downtown

One of Downtown Indianapolis' most beloved holiday traditions is here again - for its 47th year.  Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 will take place the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27. 

This is the 10th anniversary of the updated and enhanced holiday decor that adorns Monument Circle.  The much-loved decor, which was the overwhelming favorite choice from more than 12,000 community votes in 1999, includes 26 larger-than-life toy soldiers and sailors surrounding the Circle, along with 26 peppermint sticks. (The sailors were added in 2008.)  Additionally, 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights will be strung from the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument to its base.  The scene is complete with 56,700 twinkle lights in trees that add shimmer to the area's walkways.  

More than 100,000 spectators are expected for the FREE Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 ceremonial lighting and holiday kickoff on that Friday.  Live entertainment, chosen from statewide auditions and national acts, begins at 6 p.m. with the televised show running from 7-8 p.m.  The actual Monument light-up will occur at approximately 7:45 p.m.

New stage decor was unveiled in 2007 featuring a Santa's Workshop theme complete with toy soldiers and sailors, peppermint sticks, ornaments, elves in the workshop and an abundance of toys' from stick horses to blocks to trains. The stage will center around a countdown box. Each year, one lucky child is chosen from a statewide coloring contest to help flip the switch.

Millions of sightseers take in this brilliant spectacle throughout the holiday season until mid-January.  The decoration of Monument Circle is one of Central Indiana's favorite holiday traditions, drawing generations of families each year to share in the spirit of the season.

As the official presenting sponsors of Circle of Lights®, The Quality Connection represents more than 80 union contractors and more than 2,400 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 481 electrical workers committed to the partnership of labor and management working together.  Visit www.qc-indy.com.

The Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 are community leaders proud to better our skyline and our community, said Nanci Fields, Quality Connection executive director.  The Circle of Lights celebration is a great opportunity to continue that community support.