The team behind the restoration of the historic light board stands proudly in front of their work. From left to right: Dave Finch, Keith St. Jeor, Tom Stumpf, Kelly Braun, and Justin Neddo. Not pictured: Chris Bulger and Nikki Katich.
On New Year's Eve 2024, the historic Light Board at Grand Coulee Dam was officially recommissioned. This event revived a cherished tradition that has illuminated the local landscape since the late 1950s.
In the first 25 minutes of the show, water spilled from the iconic spillway, setting the stage for the light extravaganza as it appeared in the 1950s. About 150 vehicles lined up to witness the historic vibrant light display, marking the return of a beloved community attraction.
At the heart of this restoration effort was Reclamation employee Keith St. Jeor, Power Systems Control Craftsman, Foreman, whose childhood memories of the Light Board inspired his commitment to its restoration. With dedication and vision, he led the recommissioning team, bringing this historic project back to life through his passion and leadership.
The Light Board, originally built and tested on Sept. 14, 1957, had fallen into disrepair, and was officially decommissioned in 2000 after a substation fire damaged its power supply. Restoration efforts gained momentum in winter 2023, with assessments and tests indicating that the main mechanical systems could potentially function again after more than two decades of inactivity. Remarkably, when tested in November 2024, most of the original lights still worked, allowing the team to prepare for a display of the full-scale historic light show.
The Light Board, consisting of 742 colored floodlights that cycle through a dazzling array of hues, has always added a unique charm to Grand Coulee Dam and inspired the name change of the annual Colorama Festival, which was originally called Western Days. This rebranding was a tribute to the significance of the Light Board and its impact on the community.
In addition to St. Jeor, Reclamation team members like David K. Finch, Chris Bulger, Tom Stumpf, Justin Neddo, Nikki Katich, and Kelly Braun played critical roles in restoring the Light Board. Their combined technical expertise and appreciation for its cultural importance brought the project to life.
Moving forward, the Light Board will operate from November to March each winter, lighting up the spillway from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with special operations during the Colorama Festival. This annual tradition is expected to draw visitors and rekindle community pride, showcasing the dam's historic and cultural importance.
