Robolights shines one last time in residential neighborhood before moving
The long-time Palm Springs holiday light display, Robolights, had its last residential showing Wednesday night.
After years of back-and-forth with the city and increasing popularity over the years, the creator of Robolights, Kenny Irwin, has agreed to move the display to a commercial location in 2019.
“I’ve always loved lights. I’ve always loved making art and I was having a conversation with my dad one day, and I said, ‘I think it’d be neat if more people put up lights during he holiday period’, and he said, ‘Well why don’t you? Go ahead. Start putting lights up at the house’,” Iriwn explained.
It all started 32 years ago, stemming from that conversation Irwin had with his father. He was 12-years-old when he began creating art for Robollights and its been growing ever since.
“The artworks that I do are basically created by ideas that I get. I can think of things on a whim. I also get dreams that I get ideas from,” Irwin explained.
His unique artwork has drawn tens of thousands of spectators in from all over the world.
“It’s really, really cool. You don’t see this in England, at all,” said Kitty Field, visiting from England.
“I was here two years ago, and it was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my life, so we decided to come back. I believe this is the last day it’s open,” said Andrew Montgomery, a Robolights fan visiting from Portland, Oregon.
“It’s sad, but it’s been wonderful all the years, but i’m sure the neighbors are probably happy they’re moving on,” said Tom, a Coachella Valley local.
Irwin hasn’t decided on a specific location to move the display to, but he hopes to keep it local.
“I was born here in Palm Springs, I’ve lived here in Palm Springs my entire life. I love the town of Palm Springs and I want it to be in Palm Springs, so it will be somewhere here in Palm Springs.”
City leaders are providing Irwin with $125,000 from city funds as part of the agreement, according to city councilmembers. Irwin says he will have to charge admission at the new location but promises to keep it affordable. He also says Robolights 2019 will be a challenge to rebuild from scratch, but he has long term goals for the future of the display.
“It won’t just be an annual light display. It will be a year round attraction that people can come and experience the art any time of the year. Ultimately, it’s my dream, and my hope, to create an amusement park dedicated to the visual arts,” said Irwin.
Irwin is encouraging people to donate any recyclable goods, like paint, electronics, concrete or any items to help him continue his creations.
Stay with KESQ to learn more details about the new Robolights location.
