EAST PEORIA, Ill. — During last year’s Festival of Lights in East Peoria, footage was shot to compete in ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2020.
The episode aired on Wednesday at 7 p.m. with the Festival of Lights being declared the winner of the heavyweight division. As the winner, there is a $50,000 grand prize.
Tim Cundiff, who walks as the toy soldier in the Parade of Lights, said it’s a special night for East Peorians.
“For everybody who’s tightened a light bulb or driven a float, it’s a special moment for the world to see,” said Cundiff. “For the world to see — we know it and we’re proud of it — but for the world to see.
“Everyone’s seeing this — it’s something we’ve always known — but it’s so impressive.”
Cundiff added that it’s a great advertisement for the show that East Peoria puts on every year to win the contest.
“Now, more than ever, we hope our displays will bring a bit of joy to fans watching The Great Christmas Light Fight on Wednesday nights this holiday season,” says the Festival of Lights website.
Producers had seen YouTube videos of East Peoria’s display, and wanted FOLEPI to be featured on the show.
East Peoria competed in the heavyweight category against three other communities, those being Egg Harbor Twp., NJ; Lehi, UT; and Glendale, AZ.
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