Talk about a major glow-up! After more than a year of darkness, Philadelphia’s iconic Boathouse Row will illuminate the city once more.
The Relighting of Boathouse Row
Since first being lit up in 1979, Boathouse Row has been a sparkling staple along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. The iconic lights coincided with holidays and special occasions throughout the city. However, more than one year ago the lights were shut off permanently leaving many to wonder why.
Simply put, it needed a glow-up. The previous lighting system was failing due to weather conditions, frequent power outages, damage from animals, equipment vulnerability, causing the lights to be shut off completely for maintenance.
However, Fairmount Park Conservancy partnered with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to replace and upgrade the previous light system, at a cost of $2.1 million.
This week, Philadelphians will witness the relighting.
Upgrades To Boathouse Row
The new lightening system was indeed costly but will enable the lights to shine for years to come. The upgraded Boathouse Row features 6,400 individual LED lights with 16 million color combinations.
“The light reflected on the Schuylkill River from Boathouse Row is there as we celebrate big moments as a City,”said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Orlando Rendon in an official press release.
“We are incredibly grateful to the project funders, and our partners at Fairmount Park Conservancy for preserving and modernizing the historic lighting traditions that make Boathouse Row such a cherished public space for all Philadelphians.”
Don’t Miss The Glow-Up
The official relighting Ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 7 from 6-8 pm along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive at the Fish Ladder, directly across the river.
Bring your own chairs or blankets to enjoy the view. Additionally, food trucks will be on site for delicious bites. Next enjoy music and a ceremony beginning at 6 pm. Lastly, at 7 pm, the illumination will take place featuring a short light show that will repeat.
For more information including where to park, visit the website here.