Lights and Fireworks on the Circle!

Friday night, I was hanging out on Monument Circle with my family, friends and thousands of other Hoosiers braving the big crowds and cool weather. 

We were all there for the Circle of Lights presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and the Electrical Workers of IBEW Local 481.

I had the good pleasure of watching it up close and behind the scenes. Dozens of RTV 6 staffers worked most of Friday and Friday night to bring the LIVE digital widescreen presentation to tens of thousands of homes across Central Indiana.

This year’s crowd downtown on the Circle seemed a little bigger (warmer weather helps…if you call upper 30s warmer.)

But really, it was a perfect night for the festivities.

I asked Tom O’Donnell from IBEW Local 481 to share his thoughts on one of downtown’s biggest nights. 

If it wasn’t for the electricians, the Circle wouldn’t shine each holiday season.

Here’s what Tom had to say:

It’s officially the holiday season in Central Indiana!

Close to 100,000 spectators were Downtown on Monument Circle Friday night to ring in the holiday season at the 46th annual Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 celebration.

As the presenting sponsors, Quality Connection and IBEW 481 have an enormous amount of pride in this annual tradition.

 Our electricians have been involved from the start, volunteering their time for 46 years now to install and maintain the lights. And each year we’re always thrilled to see the joy this free event brings to so many residents and visitors.

Our IBEW 481 electricians and Quality Connection contractors have helped build the Indianapolis skyline for years - from Circle Centre to Lucas Oil Stadium to the new Indianapolis International Airport. These permanent city fixtures have a special place in our hearts; knowing we were involved in monumental milestones.

With that said, being a part of the Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 is equally gratifying. This is our way of giving back to the community.

We enjoy the opportunity to be a part of your amazing holiday traditions.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Tom O’Donnell
Business Manager IBEW Local 481

Thanks Tom!

And if you didn’t make it downtown to see the Circle of Lights, it will be repeated on RTV 6 on Christmas Day. (Perfect programming to open your presents!)

Happy Holidays!

We’re kicking off the 8th annual RTV 6 Toy Drive this week. And a new tradition we started last year is back…anchors singing!

This year Trisha Shepherd is joined by Good Morning, Indiana’s Grace Trahan and the rest of the 6 NEWS anchor team for a rendition of “I Saw Three Ships.”

RTV 6 Producer/Director Ken Scheidler and his wife Karen did the arrangement. And the anchors did the rest!

Check it out in the YouTube clip.

The video goes fast. In addition to Trisha and Grace, you’ll see and hear Kevin Gregory, Dave Furst, Todd Wallace, Dan Spehler, Tom Davis, Paul Poteet, Stacia Matthews, Crystal Wicker, Erica Flye, Brad Brown and Rafael Sanchez.

Okay, full disclosure. Rafael actually doesn’t sing…he just directs.

Enjoy the video!

You can see the much higher quality version airing on RTV 6 and 6 NEWS 24/7 beginning November 26 through the holiday season.

And of course, make a donation to the RTV 6 Toy Drive. You can drop off toys at The Circle of Lights on Friday night, next Wednesday at Ashley Furniture Home Store in Greenwood, or any AAA Service Center or FedEx location (previously Kinkos.)

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving weekend!