The Winterhaven Festival of Lights is preparing for major changes as the city of Tucson plans to end in-kind support after this year, a shift organizers say that, combined with the loss of key vendors and increased costs for cleanup, security and traffic control, could add up to roughly $100,000.

The two-week festival draws more than 200,000 visitors to the Winterhaven neighborhood each Christmas season.

City support, valued at $15,000, has been essential for managing traffic and public safety as parts of Fort Lowell Road and some intersections are partially closed each night of the festival, said Kate Marquez, chair of the Winterhaven Festival of Lights.

To offset the additional expenses, “we’re going to have to raise some money,” Marquez said. 

“We’ll have to really turn to the community for support and maybe make some decisions for the festival long term,” she said. “We know we’re not the only ones exposed to all these budget cuts that are coming down the line.”

Winterhaven has no admission charge and accepts donations to support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. This year, organizers set a goal to raise $60,000, doubling what the festival typically raises each year.

“They let us know about the federal cuts they’ve had to face and knowing they’re coming up on higher need during the holidays,” Marquez said. “We decided to try to double the cash donations.”

According to the food bank, one dollar can help provide about three meals through purchasing partnerships with farms and distributors. While the festival still accepts canned goods, Marquez said this year’s message emphasizes the greater impact of monetary donations.

Sponsorships and business donations are also critical to offset infrastructure and safety costs as the festival continues to grow.

“We really need cash sponsorships from businesses, large or small, to help pay for the rising cost of infrastructure,” Marquez added. “With over 200,000 people in the middle of a residential area, it takes a lot of partners to make this run smoothly.”

“After 75 years, it’s become a tradition in people’s homes for generations,” she added. “Everyone here in Winterhaven feels like it’s a gift that the residents give, and if people want to keep it going free,  just like we do, please be willing to contribute and help so we can make this tradition last another 75 years.”

The Winterhaven Festival of Lights runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13–27. Trolley rides will be available the first week; the second week is walking only. 

Donations supporting the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona can be made on-site or online at winterhavenfestival.org.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of University of Arizona School of Journalism.