By james art 
Western Lights Festival takes the center of Reno Reno
The Western Lights Festival takes place in the center of Renault from February 20-22 and is free for the public from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm every night.
Reno’s first Western Lights Festival has just ended after three consecutive nights that felt like a city that found the perfect match. Seeing thousands of people spilling out on the street to engage in art – and with each other – it was a powerful reminder of what our center might be.
This festival feels authentic Renault. There is a frugal, creative spirit that is naturally inserted into the fabric of the city, wearing a little burning man without dust. Seeing local DJs who present themselves in art cars, watching groups like Moondog Matinee owns the Reno Arch scene in the background and walking around to see how the artists showing the minds bending me so proud.
It also struck me how comfortable it was for children everything. Watching children Darth between lightweight installations felt as if we were showing the next generation of builders that they could revive their wild ideas. With many interactive exhibits and glowing sculptures, it was like a Pixar movie where adults remain as engaged as their children.
A huge gratitude to Mayor Hillary Sheve, city manager Jackie Bryant and Renault Municipal Council for their support and Rachel McIntyre for her vision in creating this incredible event. Starting something new in a city with deeply rooted traditions-some hitting its 40th anniversary is not a small feat and it nailed it. We are lucky to have passionate, creative people working in our city who are not afraid to roll their sleeves to pull such things. The Western Lights Festival not only illuminates our streets; This showed us what is possible when we bend over who we are.
Chris Reilly is a resident of Renault.