Since 1940, Tanaka Farms have been dedicated to providing families with quality products and educational experiences. Community supported agriculture and responsible farming, combined with education and entertainment, have grown the farm into an establishment in Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area. One of their most popular events is the annual Pumpkin Farm, which draws thousands of visitors each year to a fall festival of family fun.
With the Covid-19 pandemic significantly restricting the farm’s ability to provide family-friendly entertainment and agricultural experiences, the family-owned business looked for a new way to bring entertainment to the community, hoping to bolster their business in the process.
Lightswitch was asked to develop a creative drive-through holiday experience that could be executed within California’s strict pandemic guidelines. Tanaka Farms wished to install a traditional holiday theme in the farm setting, while still honoring their family’s Japanese heritage.
We knew that creating this new attraction within a relatively short timeframe would be a challenge, so we brought in Utopia Worldwide to collaborate as creative producers. Together, we created a one-mile driving experience that utilized a combination of traditional holiday decoration tools and techniques, as well as more integrated entertainment lighting technology.
A system of graphic signage also gave the overall experience a nostalgic flair, while also helping to communicate the flow of the attraction and providing fun facts about the local farm along the way.
光 “Hikari: A Festival Of Lights” was a welcome new addition to a dense suburban area with relatively sparse entertainment options for families during the pandemic. It allowed families to enjoy a festive holiday experience without having to drive too far or leave the safety of their vehicles.
The design successfully balanced traditional holiday cheer with the distinct character of the farm and the Tanaka family heritage. The combination of traditional holiday decor and entertainment technology aimed to give the show an air of authenticity, while also delivering lighting displays that went above and beyond a standard holiday experience.
The show ran for 41 nights, many of which sold out, and can be converted to a ride-through or walkthrough experience in future holiday seasons, creating a potential new tradition for the community and its families.
