(October 29, 2010) — A beloved 47-year-old holiday tradition in the City of Hartford is getting reinvigorated thanks to a strengthened public-private partnership. The Hartford Festival of Light® is moving to historic Bushnell Park from Constitution Plaza in order to add a new interactive family feature— an outdoor skating rink.

“Skating in the park will make ringing in the holiday season more than a day in the Capital City, it will be an experience for residents and visitors alike to enjoy over and over again,” said Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra. “By working with our team of gracious partners, we’ll be able to have Santa’s helpers in his workshop start building the rink the day after Thanksgiving so that families can enjoy the facility for approximately four weeks.”

The more centrally located venue for the event will make it more accessible to the Theatre and entertainment district and restaurants. Again, the date of the extravaganza is still the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 26.

Time and details of the pageantry and procession to the park will be unveiled as we get closer to the arrival of the holiday season.

Joining the City of Hartford in producing this year’s Hartford Festival of Light® are the Greater Hartford Arts Council, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, and the Connecticut Whale. Title sponsors of the event are Connecticut Light & Power, Mohegan Sun and United Technologies.