Each year approximately 200 union electricians gather on Monument Circle to string the 4,784 lights and 52 garland strands which become the centerpiece of Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW #481.  It’s truly a spectacle to behold.  Here’s a behind the scenes look at the process.

Each strand is checked and bulbs replaced as needed.

Blue, yellow, green, red and white make up the color palette.

“Flying reindeer” can be seen taking their place among the decor.

Heavy airline grade cable is used to hold the light strands in place.

Each cable is carefully, slowly guided up to the top of the monument.

It takes all hands on deck to move this much garland.

Each cable is secured in place and tightened.

The view from above isn’t bad.

Workers from above guide the strands to the top.

A rope and pulley system hoists the line.

Each strand is secured to the top of the monument.

Multiply this process times 52 and it’s a full, hard day of work for these men and women.

Thank you to all of the IBEW #481 volunteers who make this tradition special for the residents and visitors of Downtown Indianapolis throughout the season.

This year on Saturday, Nov. 12 between 9 a.m.-noon you can come out and see them string the lights on Monument Circle.

Find out more about Circle of Lights® at DowntownIndy.org.