It was the first ever walk-through at Portage la Prairie's Island of Lights last night, and the number of visitors was overwhelming.

Diane Van Aert works with the city and describes the turnout.

Diane Van Aert"Well, this is the first time we've ever done this walk-through night. We've had people over the years request, and asked to walk through. So, we decided to do it. So far, I think it's around 7:30 p.m., we've had at least 300 people walk in. We have people walking dogs, babies in strollers, and sleds. There's been rave reviews as people leave. So, I think it's been good. The weather cooperated, that's for sure (laughs). A lot of people have said it should be done more often."

The walk takes between a half hour and 45 minutes.

Tess Achtemichuk's a local resident, and shares her perspective.

(left to right) Tess Achtemichuk & Rose Benedictson"I'm a local here. I've been here for 37 years and this is the first time I'm going to be able to walk through. It's exciting. It's always good to have something that you can walk slowly through, and really look at it closely rather than out of the window of a car."

Vanessa Schurko describes her experience.

"Beautiful. Some of the lights were different and new, and nice to see a new experience walking it instead of driving it."

Randy Dawson says it should happen more often.

Randy Dawson & Vanessa Schurko"It was nice being able to walk through. A little slower pace. You could see everything a little bit better. Take your time. It was pretty good. I think it should've been done years before. Probably three nights a year. Do two in December and one in January, something like that."

Schurko adds, "They could add serving hot chocolate and stuff like that, and make it more adventurous."