Light-up Night only two weeks away

Activities related to Light-Up! Night, the start of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, and the first ever Colombia St. Augustine Marathon will necessitate a number of disruptions of traffic in downtown St. Augustine on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20, Paul Williamson told Historic City News.

On Saturday, November 19, the Plaza de Constitución will be the site of Light-Up! Night, the kick-off ceremony for the 18th annual Nights of Lights. The annual event draws thousands into the downtown for the ceremony, necessitating street closures and some detours in the area surrounding the plaza. Entertainment starts at 4:00pm, lighting ceremony starts at 6:30pm, with entertainment continuing until 8:00pm. All streets are expected to reopen by 9:00pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20, the inaugural Columbia St. Augustine Marathon will necessitate traffic restrictions and detours along the route. Those areas include: the Bayfront north of the Bridge of Lions; the bridge itself; Anastasia Blvd/State Rd. A1A from the bridge to State Rd. 206; State Rd. 312 east of Sgt. Tutten Dr.; A1A Beach Blvd. through St. Augustine Beach; inside Anastasia State Park; and the Lighthouse Park area. Traffic restrictions will be in effect on Saturday from 6:00am until 1:00pm and on Sunday from 5:00am until 1:00pm.

Law enforcement agencies from the City of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, St. Johns County and Anastasia State Park have worked diligently with Miami Tri-Events, sponsor of the event, to provide a safe environment for participants while minimizing disruptions to residents and businesses in the area.

Details regarding street closures and detours can be found at the following websites:

For information on Light-Up! Night, visit www.lightupnight.info.

For information regarding the Columbia St. Augustine Marathon, including a fly-over map of the route and schedule of events, visit www.staugustinemarathon.com.

The City of St. Augustine encourages residents, businesses and visitors to plan accordingly so as to enjoy these events as much as possible while being inconvenienced as little as possible.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph