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Light Up Night's Newest Attractions Include LED Bridge Display, Virtual Reality

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It wasn't Halloween yet when the first Christmas wreaths went up in Downtown Pittsburgh.

With a grant from Colcom, the city wants to be sure electrical work is done before Nov. 18, which is Light Up Night.

Among the old standbys, the Holiday Market returns for the fifth year. Santa Claus says he'll be making a return appearance.

"You can have a picture with Santa for a $5 donation to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank," Santa Claus says. "You can't beat that deal anywhere. Ho, ho, ho!"

Music fans may be faced with a difficult choice on Light Up Night.

Rock ban O.A.R. and popular Pittsburgh singer/songwriter Daya will perform on two different stages at the same time.

Comcast Regional Vice President Susan Whitaker also announced plans for another first-time attraction.

"Our Xfinity Experience Corner, giving folks an opportunity to use virtual reality, and put you behind the wheel of a NASCAR," she says.

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And what's Light Up Night without lights? Another new feature is sure to be a big hit.

Spinning turbines atop the Rachel Carson Bridge have been installed by Covestro.

Company spokesman Bob Walker says they will provide power for strings of light that may be the star attraction. It's being called "Energy Flow Bridge Lighting."

"An LED lighting display that uses the vertical support mechanisms of the bridge, the cables, so to speak, to provide lighting on both sides in a unique way," he said.

As always, fireworks will close out the night. Zambelli will be launching the show from a barge on the Allegheny River.

For much more information on Light Up Night 2016, visit their website here.

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