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Maryland's 'Symphony Of Lights' Postponed Until Next Fall

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Thousands of Maryland families make the Symphony of Lights a holiday tradition, but this year the lights are out until next fall.

WJZ's Pat Warren explains.

A 20 minute drive-through, more than 70 holiday light displays, attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year.

It started as a small community fundraising event 20 years ago, and over time has raised more than $7-million for Howard County General Hospital.

Ordinarily this time of year this time of night would be perfect for the holiday drive-thru, but this year, the lights are out.

"Technology's changed a lot, they're sort of a flip phone and this is an iPhone 6 world," said Brad Canfield, Merriweather Post Pavillion.

The light switch era is being replaced by computer age, these familiar displays refurbished with 250-thousand bulbs replaced by LED lights to create a more dazzling experience and continued support for Howard County General Hospital.

"Many of the citizens who live in this community were actually born at Howard County General Hospital, so it's an opportunity to celebrate their lives from the time they're born and literally over the generations as families come together to celebrate the holidays," said Steve Snelgrove.

Official say due to the upgrade, Symphony of Lights will be postponed to Fall 2016 and expected to be brighter than ever.

If you'd like to support the refurbishment, you can sponsor one of the new lights for a $10 donation.

You can see a video display of the lights here:

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