Vernon Lights Festival to shine

Area officials got their first look at the Vernon Lights Festival on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Billed the largest light and Chinese lantern attraction in New Jersey, the festival is a walkthrough wonderland light experience of music, interactive and multisensory exhibits with well over 30 displays. Vernon Lights is a Hello Panda Production and is featured at the brand new Glenwood Lake Arts Park, located at the 96-acre former Camp Sussex.

It seems fitting that the Vernon Lights Festival is the first offering at the Glenwood Lake Arts Park.

“This beautiful property needs to shine,” said owner Baoli Zhang.

Zhang is a world-famous violinist and his future vision for the property is to bring dance, multi-cultural music and fine arts to the community. The time development is predicted at three to five years.

Camp Sussex was purchased by Glenwood Infinity, LLC and Zhang’s plan is to renovate the old cabins into artist workshops and larger buildings will be redesigned as community arts and performance centers.

The Vernon Light Festival opens Friday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and will continue every weekend until Sunday Jan. 5. According to property officials, the light festival could continue until February 2, weather permitting.

“It is our hope to transform and improve the property, offer the area increased employment and also offer a culturally enriching and prestigious addition to Vernon Township,” reiterated Zhang.

Vernon Days will be Sunday Dec. 8 and Dec. 22 offering a 30 percent discount to Vernon residents with ID.