Colorado Springs Graduate Celebration 'Be The Light'

From the City of Colorado Springs:

May 19, 2020

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The City of Colorado Springs wishes to remind residents, businesses, community groups and facilities to participate in "Be the Light" for area graduates tomorrow, May 20, at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time). The citywide effort aims to turn lights on across the community for one hour using flashlights, headlights, stadium lights and more to celebrate local graduates.

Nearly 50 high school, college and professional stadiums, tourist attractions, hotels, multi-story office buildings, small businesses and City facilities have confirmed their participation in the campaign from two counties (Fremont, El Paso) and six municipalities (Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Palmer Lake, Monument, Canon City ).

A map of confirmed activations can be found here: [bit.ly/BeTheLightCOS]bit.ly/BeTheLightCOS

Media partners are encouraged to both participate and cover the event with drone footage as well. A promotional video encouraging participation is available here https://vimeo.com/418227243 (link is external).

To participate, the City gives the following recommendations, though other creative and visible efforts are also encouraged. Please note, fireworks are prohibited in City limits.

Residents

• Leave porch lights on from 8:20-9:20 p.m.
• Go outside with flashlights, glow sticks, holiday lights or other tools for this hour.
• Turn headlights on in parked vehicles outside

Businesses

• Consider leaving lights on at your office building from 8:20-9:20 p.m.
• Encourage employees to turn on porch lights, bring holiday lights outside or turn on the headlights of their parked cars
• Turn out exterior lights such as those in parking lots

Facility Owners

• Illuminate field, stadium or any other exterior lighting
• Activate fleet vehicles

Businesses and residents alike are encouraged to post their activations on social media using the hashtag #BeTheLightCOS along with a congratulatory message to graduates.

The City of Colorado Springs will participate by lighting up major facilities to include Memorial Park, Goose Gossage Sports Complex, the Pioneer's Museum, Cottonwood Creek Community Park and Venezia Park. Community partners participating include the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Rocky Mountain Vibes and school district stadiums.

"A successful campaign would mean that any high school senior can step outside their home and see the City lit up for them," said Joe Hollmann, Marketing Specialist for the City of Colorado Springs. "We all want to celebrate them in a way that is safe and healthy, and #BeTheLightCOS is an opportunity to do just that."

This press release was produced by the City of Colorado Springs. The views expressed here are the author’s own.