Mark Schwiebert: Experience marvelous attractions during season of light

We often associate gradually shortening days and longer nights with the arrival of winter and its cold and gloom. Perhaps that is why from earliest times, our ancestors at this time of year sought to create light to brighten the gloom.

Here in the Quad-Cities, we’re carrying on this ancient tradition in a big and amazing way. Opportunities here abound to celebrate this “Season of Light”.

Let’s begin with the Quad City Botanical Center’s splendid “Winter Nights, Winter Lights” exhibit. On spectacular display from now throughout the holiday season, the Winter Nights, Winter Lights display covers several acres both outside and inside the buildings on downtown Rock Island’s riverfront. Over 225,000 lights extend from the conifer garden on the east end of the property through the Children’s Exploratory Garden on the west. The whole place is magical in its ability to delight children of all ages with a feast of color and light. The fact it was made possible by the generous donations of sponsors like MidAmerican Energy and countless volunteers from the community merely enhances the specialness of this experience.

Or consider attending Quad City Arts’ Festival of Trees hosted at the downtown Davenport RiverCenter running from Nov. 18 through Nov. 26. This wonderful annual event brings together the talent and generosity of area artists and designers to create a splendid evocation of holiday cheer. As Winter Nights, Winter Lights does for the Botanical Center; the Festival of Trees also serves as a major fundraiser for its outstanding organizer, Quad City Arts.

Finally, and although still in the planning stages, we learned last week that within the next couple of years, our area will experience a third major celebration of light. The Figge Art Museum has contracted with arguably the foremost light artist in the world, Leo Villareal, to bathe the exterior of its Davenport riverfront building with a flowing range of LED-lit colors that will make the Figge a splendid multi-colored beacon on our riverfront for years to come.

Although less associated with physical lights, we also can experience in this season a lightness of spirit that comes from attending performances of the "Nutcracker," sponsored by Quad City Ballet; as well as the annual Christmas Concerts of Augustana College and of Nova Singers.

There are many things of which we Quad-Citians can be proud, from a productive and friendly population, to beautiful parks and amazing river views. But among the greatest of our many qualities, we count the fine cultural institution our area enjoys.

In this Season of Light may we who live here experience these marvelous attractions. And may we encourage our friends and relatives outside the area to come visit and to enjoy them as well.

Mark Schwiebert, a lawyer, is a former mayor of Rock Island.

Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!

* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy .