Every year, swimmers take off and make the trek across the Bridgwater Channel in Lake Havasu City to take the honor of tripping the switch to ignite the Festival of Lights, heralding the holiday season.
This year, 82 swimmers took the plunge, many from California and Canada, and from as young as 10 and as seasoned as 72 took part in the tradition.
Sam Goldney climbs out of the water after swimming across the Bridgewater Channel Friday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Sam Goldey, of Carlsbad, Calif., was the first to finish the swim and flipped the switch. Second was Will Goldey, also of Carlsbad, Calif., and third was Evan McMillan, of Lake Havasu City.
The more than 500,000 festival lights by the London Bridge Resort will be on display through Jan. 1, 2018, for holiday festivities.
Santa will also reportedly appear Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. in the area to highlight the season.
A big crowd was on hand for the London Bridge Resort’s Festival of Lights. Rick Powell/RiverScene
Swimmers race across the Bridgewater Channel Friday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Swimmers gather on the stage for the flipping on of lights Friday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Sam Goldey flips on the switch Friday evening under the London Bridge. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Rick Powell/RiverScene
A crowd gathers under the London Bridge to view the London Bridge Resort’s Christmas display. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
A crowd gathers for the lights under the London Bridge. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
A crowd gathers under the London Bridge to view the Christmas light display by the London Bridge Resort. Rick Powell/RiverScene
A crowd gathers to see Santa Claus under the London Bridge Friday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Rick Powell/RiverScene
Mickey Mouse n crew were on hand to help Santa during the Festival of Lights. Rick Powell/Riverscene
Very cool!