Fireworks, music highlight Wayne Lightfest opening

Melanie Kowynia of Westland has been going to the Wayne County Lightfest opening since her daughter, Emalie, was 3 years old.

Despite the fact Emalie is now 14, Melanie saw no reason to stop what has become a great family tradition. So she grabbed her young niece and nephew and there she was Thursday, watching Wayne County Executive Warren Evans help Santa throw the switch on the 2015 Lightfest.

“I think it’s awesome,” Melanie said. “It brings family and friends out together. It reminds us that we’re all one community.”

After Livonia resident Steven Thomas warmed up the crowd by wailing on his saxophone, Santa Claus came to the stage to the screams and delights of the young children in the crowd of thousands who gathered.

Evans, noting the 4.5-mile long stretch of Christmas light displays, which includes more than 100,000 lights, might be the longest such display in the country.

“I don’t think there’s a longer one in the nation,” Evans said. “I think I have more fun with this than anybody.”

Melissa Soronen of Plymouth doesn’t usually come to the kickoff, but Thursday was different, and she was glad to be there.

“We don’t usually come, but a family friend invited us,” Soronen said. “We’re excited about it.”

Unlike Soronen, Tawnya Slocum of Romulus comes every year.

“My kids love seeing their friends, and they love the lights,” Slocum said. “The kids absolutely love it.”

The Wayne County Lightfest runs through Dec. 31. It’s open Monday-Thursday from 7-10 p.m.; and Friday-Sunday from 6-10 p.m. Drivers should enter Hines Drive from Merriman Road between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren in Westland. There is a $5 fee per vehicle for the Lightfest.