✨ A Heartfelt Announcement from the Williams Light Show ✨
To our amazing supporters:
It’s with heavy hearts that we share some news about the 2024 Williams Light Show. This post isn’t easy to write, but we want to be open about what’s happened, what’s next, and where we’re headed.
The Reason Behind This Year’s Cancellation
Last year, during a Kingsville town council meeting, the Williams Light Show became a point of discussion. Concerns raised by a small number of neighbors led the town to propose a new bylaw regulating large holiday displays. This bylaw, which requires extensive documentation and permits, was finalized on November 4, 2024—long after planning, programming, and setup for the show would have started.
Despite knowing that it takes months of work to prepare our display, the town council and administration delayed the bylaw’s implementation for almost a year. This gave us no time to comply and no clarity on how to proceed. When we reached out for clarification immediately after the bylaw was passed, we were met with delays, vague responses, and demands for in-person meetings.
We requested written answers to ensure we could follow every rule and protect our permit, but the town refused to provide clear guidelines. In our view, the bylaw was written ambiguously, leaving too much room for interpretation and making it easier to revoke permits at will. Even if we had received answers promptly, it would have been impossible to set up the show in time due to the extensive effort required.
We poured hundreds of hours into programming this year’s show starting in June, holding onto hope. But with the bylaw’s timing and complexity, there was simply no way to make it work.
The reality is that the Town of Kingsville’s decisions and delays made it impossible for the Williams Light Show to happen this year.
Leaving Kingsville
This year has been a turning point. What was once a tight-knit, supportive town has changed in ways that no longer feel like home. After much thought, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to sell 24 Marshwoods Blvd and will be moving elsewhere.
A Special Thank You to Our Supporters
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible neighbors, especially:
🌟 Ashley and Dan across the street, who opened their lawn to thousands of visitors every year.
🌟 Laura and Elmer the red brick house - next door, who never complained about noise, traffic, or lights, and always welcomed the community.
To the rest of our supportive neighbors on Marshwoods Blvd and Conservation, thank you. Your kindness and encouragement have meant the world to us.
The Legacy of the Williams Light Show
This show began as a labor of love between Colton Williams and his late grandmother, Lois Williams, who passed away from cancer six years ago. Christmas was their thing—a bond that became the foundation for the light show. Since Lois’s passing, we’ve raised over $45,000 for cancer research and treatment in her honor.
While the lights won’t shine at 24 Marshwoods this year, we hope you’ll still donate to cancer charities in her memory.
Looking Ahead
This isn’t the end of the Williams Light Show. 🌟 We’re working with the Municipality of Essex and County of Essex to hopefully bring the magic back to a community near you soon! Moving the show is a massive undertaking, and we anticipate returning in 2026. While it’s a pause, we hope you’ll keep the Williams Light Show in your hearts and traditions until we light up again, brighter than ever.
Spread the Word
We want to ensure that no one makes the trip to 24 Marshwoods Blvd this year expecting to see lights. Please share this post with your family, friends, and neighbors so everyone is aware of the cancellation.
Though this will be our darkest Christmas since losing Lois in 2018, we take comfort in the joy and memories we’ve created together. Let’s all light up our homes and hearts this year to spread the Christmas spirit we love so much.
It’s not goodbye—it’s just see you later. ❤️
With love, light, and holiday cheer,
The Williams Light Show
