Lighting up Strathmore for Christmas

Times Reporter   

 

Anyone who has toured the Celebration of Lights Christmas Park can easily see why it was nominated and awarded the Community Spirit Award at this year’s Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala. Through numerous volunteer hours, and a few frostbitten toes, the park is put together piece by piece for everyone to enjoy. 

This year the park promises to be bigger and better than ever with approximately 15 new displays. It opens on Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there for pictures by 5:30 p.m.

“This year we purchased big fence panels and on these fence panels we’ve built displays that have animated wheels and things like that. This year there is a 40 foot train, there’s a helicopter that was built for the Strathmore Lions Club for their kind donation,” said Rose Hamrlik President of the Celebration of Lights Christmas Park. 

“We’re just inviting people to come out and have a good time. There will be horse and wagon rides.” 

There will be raffles for people to enter for some great prizes, and it will also be the final night to purchase a ticket for the $2,000 gift certificate binder. There will be hot chocolate and cookies and a BBQ. Fireworks will begin at 6:45 p.m. 

The evening will be fun for the whole family, and everyone is encouraged to stop by. Opening night is Nov. 24 but the park will remain open until January 5, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly. 

Also in the evening of Nov. 24 is the annual Christmas parade. This year the theme is ‘Snowmen.’ The parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will follow along the same route as in the past, beginning at the library.