For 17 years, merchants of Mid City Baton Rouge have used the Friday before Thanksgiving to illuminate the area’s artistic culture and usher in the holiday spirit with its White Light Night.
In 1991, the Mid City Merchants, a group of business owners in the area, came together to take stock of the community’s establishments and determine a way to unite the neighborhood.
Back then, Mid City was Baton Rouge’s hub for artistic experience. Over time, the location began to incorporate graphic designers, architects, antique stores, consignment stores and clothing shops such as Time Warp Boutique.
During White Light Night, Mid City businesses open their doors from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and allow patrons to walk in and out of the establishments taking part in free food, music and art.
Liz Walker, owner of the Elizabethan Gallery and chairman of the Mid City Merchants Art and Design Cultural District, has been involved with White Light Night since its incarnation and has watched the effect the event has had on the Baton Rouge community.
The first White Light Night in 1997, featured eight businesses, and that number has increased to 57 this year. Even attorney offices and car repair shops have opened their doors to Baton Rouge citizens.
Each business is a member of the Mid City Merchants and will feature local artists and their work. Live musical performances and exhibits also will be available at the event.
Patrons have the option of driving, parking or walking around Mid City Baton Rouge or riding in a free transit van, which will transport people to certain locations in the area. Walker encourages wearing comfortable shoes for those who plan to get the full White Light Night experience.
The Mid City Merchants pride themselves on hosting a safe event. Because of this, Baton Rouge police officers also will be in attendance at the festivities. Walker said officers often request to work the art hop because it is such a positive environment, and they are treated kindly, as opposed to other events.
“Too many times, the arts get cut from schools, and you have to pay for another experience,” Walker said. “We decided there had to be a free way to showcase the plethora of local talents that we have.”
The idea for using white lights during the event is similar to Paris’ Nuit Blanche event where the entire city opens its doors for an all-night art festival and the center of the city is turned into a place for art installations.
With Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas right around the corner, Walker said many use White Light Night to avoid some early shopping woes. While the event is free, patrons can buy any clothing or pieces of art available as a gift for a loved one.
“It’s amazing how everyone comes together for an event like this,” Walker said. “In a city where people find so much to be sad about, White Light Night brings back a little happiness before the holidays.”
You can reach Joshua Jackson on Twitter @joshua_jackson_.