SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - A lot of things look different this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but one thing that stayed the same was this light display at Bright Nights in Forest Park.

It took a lot of work to make it happen this year with new restrictions, but all those involved wanted to spread the holiday spirit safely and still put on the event.

"This year was tough," said Bill Vezina, foreman with Bright Nights. "I didn't know if we were going to pull it off but we did, we got it on in time and everyone was happy."

It may not have been easy. There were new guidelines put in place to make sure it was safe. An infectious disease doctor in Springfield said this was one of the safest events to have during the pandemic, because people don't have to get out of their cars. The tickets are done on mobile devices for contactless entry as well.

"We really worked all summer to get this up and running, into the fall, to make sure we could fulfill all the protocols and I know we have," said Spirit of Springfield president Judy Matt.

The coronavirus created new challenges for Matt and her staff, but there wasn't an obstacle they couldn't overcome. They recently got approval from the Lieutenant Governor to stay open until 9:30 instead of 9, which helps them get more cars in to see the light display. They did have to make a few changes and get rid of a few additions they normally have. 

"There is no getting out, we don't have the gift shop or carousel or rides that we have," said Matt. "But we wanted to be able to produce it so we had to follow these guidelines so we could do it."

This is the event's 26th year, and each year it gets bigger and more popular. 

"You gotta be the jack of all trades to get this going. It takes a large group of men to do it," said Vezina.

They set up all sorts of different lights.

"The TV says 675,000 and I know each one individual, so I can agree with that number," said Vezina.

Each light is unique and festive, putting people in the holiday spirit, which is something needed this year more than ever. Spirit of Springfield also used the drive-thru display to say "thank you" to frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic by dedicated a night for them to visit for free.

"We had one day just for front line workers, including postman, cashiers, pharmacy workers, and bus drivers," Matt said. "It was pouring rain and we still did 1,200 cars"

The light show was extended this year, so it will be going on until January 6th.