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Light City Baltimore Expected To Go Out With A Bang

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For one whole week, Baltimore has been transformed to the city of lights. This is the final weekend for the light festival.

Ava-joye Burnett has more on what you can expect for the weekend.

The organizers say the schedule is jam-packed for the next two days. The whole goal is for Light City Baltimore to go out with a bang.

Lights from one end of the city to the next.

"Light City Baltimore has exceeded everyone's wildest expectations," said Laurie Schwartz, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.

Blues, greens, oranges---Light City Baltimore has illuminated the city. The jolt has shocked even the organizers.

"It was an experiment and it's been an incredible success. Every single night, the promenade is mobbed with people," Schwartz said.

Organizers estimate about 40,000-50,000 people have come every night so far, even during the week---perfect timing during spring break.

"I think it's great. The more it can bring to the city, the better," said one man.

"I'm really interested in the Chesapeake Bay so I learned a lot about the whole ecosystem and stuff like that. It was like a learning experience, as well," said Athena Varthis.

In Baltimore's first-ever light festival, there is learning by day and by night. That's when the lights come out, along with live music.

The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore told WJZ it took about $3.5 million to bring this event to Baltimore.

One Harbor East restaurant is already reaping the benefits.

"Oh yeah, the bar business has been great. We usually get in early because the events usually start around seven so from about 5-7, our happy hours have been packed," said Joe Pastore, Oceanaire.

"We just figured it's a nice, cool night so we figured it was a nice time to come down," said Brenda Powis.

So what's next after this weekend? Plans for next year.

"This is just an annual first year and it's going to grow from here," said Schwartz.

There was strong rain and lightning Friday evening for about 30 minutes but after it cleared out, the Inner Harbor was packed again.

If you need help getting around, don't worry---there's a Light City Baltimore app.

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