Light in Winter FAQs
Q: What IS Light in Winter?
Light in Winter is a weekend-long festival that celebrates and explores the connections between science and the arts. Lectures, exhibits, interactive workshops and concerts take place throughout the weekend at multiple venues in the greater Ithaca area. The events of the weekend are tied together by a common theme—the 2008 festival will explore "Identity". Money-saving ticket packages can be purchased in advance, and tickets for individual events are also available in advance or at the door.
Q: Who is it meant for?
Light in Winter has something for everyone. Whether you're a music lover, a science fiend, a poet, a voracious reader, a public-radio devotee, an art fanatic, a history buff, or just generally a curious and open-minded personality, we've got one or more presentations that you'll love.
Q: How is it different from all the concerts and lectures in Ithaca at other times of the year?
The festival is unique in the way scientists and artists explore cutting-edge ideas. For example, you won't find robot consciousness discussed, then demonstrated by musical robots anywhere else.
Q: Is Light in Winter appropriate for children?
Light in Winter is certainly a family-friendly event, and all Sunday morning programs at the Discovery Trail sites are perfect, but we suggest that children under the age of 8 may find themselves a bit antsy at most presentations.
Q: Are there discounts available at any local hotels for Light in Winter Weekend?
Indeed! Light in Winter hotel discount packages are available at the Hilton Garden Inn, the Hampton Inn, La Tourelle Resort and Spa, and the Statler Hotel. And this year we're handing out "ID cards" with every ticket. Just show the card for specials at restaurants listed on the back, and ride the TCAT bus for free to all events at Cornell and Ithaca College.
Q: I can't afford the admission price—what can I do?
We have some volunteer positions available, both before and during the festival. Being a volunteer gets you free access to all of the thrilling festival presentations. Contact Marie Sirakos at msirakos@lightinwinter.com to secure yourself a position—they fill up fast! If you just want a little taste of Light in Winter, remember that you can purchase event tickets a la carte, and there are several free daytime events!
Q: I have a business and I'd like to be involved—what can I do?
You can sponsor a program. There are several programs still available for sponsorship at the $1000 and $3000 levels. Sponsors are recognized in all marketing materials and in the house program, given tickets to the sponsored production and invites to the Sunday night "cast party", hotlinked from our website and loudly and proudly announced before their sponsored production. It's a great way to reach out to a highly desirable potential customer base. Smaller businesses can also group together to sponsor one program.
For a smaller financial commitment, you can purchase an ad in our festival playbill which will be distributed locally and regionally before the festival, as well as at festival events. Contact Megan Romer at pr@lightinwinter.com for more information on this.
If you can't afford to support the festival with money, but have some sort of goods or services that may be applicable, get in touch anyway! We're always happy to discuss options.
Q: Are the shows handicap-accessible?
There are handicap parking spaces and ramps available for all presentations on the Cornell and IC campuses, as well as in front of the State Theatre downtown. The parking lot closest to each building has one or more spaces designated for persons with disabilities. Special parking permits are needed to use these spaces. For non-campus presentations, all buildings are accessible, but parking may not be quite as convenient.
Q: How can I get from the Ithaca Airport to downtown hotels?
Ithaca has several taxi companies, and there is usually a taxi waiting at the airport. To call a taxi, call the Ithaca Dispatch at 607-277-7777.
Q: How can I get to Light in Winter events if I don't have a car?
TCAT will be sponsoring free shuttles to all Light in Winter events at Cornell and Ithaca College. The Light in Winter buses leave from the Library on Green Street, and see the schedule here and at www.tcatbus.com. You can use your "Light in Winter ID card" you receive when buying a ticket in advance or just hop on. If you want to take your car to Bailey Hall Saturday night and park in the campus parking garage, Cornell Concert series offers a free shuttle from the garage right to the concert.
Q: Is food available at Light in Winter Shows?
There will be food available at Cornell and IC Campus presentations. For shows in Downtown Ithaca, we suggest that you use your "Light in Winter ID Card" for a discount at any of the wonderful restaurants listed on the back.
