Bears playing catch with a snowball at 23rd annual Oshkosh Celebration of Lights. November 29, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Miles of new lights wrapped the trees on the EAA grounds for the opening weekend of the 23rd annual Oshkosh Celebration of Lights.
This is the event’s second year away from Menominee Park, after they were relocated last year due to an archeological dig.
Hal Schultz of Oshkosh had three generations at the light show to take in the post-Thanksgiving tradition. “Our grandkids from Minnesota came down, so we said, let’s do it. You know, come on out. So this is great,” he said.
There are bears playing catch with a snowball. Reindeer leaping over the road. And a person ice fishing, reeling in a big catch… These are just some of the sights along the path.
William Buyarski said it’s magical. “You always wonder what these little youngsters, as you’re driving through, you wonder what’s going through their minds when they see that, or this,” he said. “It’s kind of, deep inside it makes me feel really great to think: the sugar plums dancing in their heads, you think, is that going on right now? so it’s kind of cool.”
There are six free community nights scheduled for the Celebration of Lights this year.
The event is making a difference, as well. Organizers offer a $5 discount when you bring in food donations. And plenty of people respond.
Event Manager Rick Helms says last year brought in a lot of donations. “Several tons,” he replied. “I don’t remember the number from last year but it was several tons that we collected during our time out here.”
The near mile and a half long route brings families to the lodge, where they can meet Santa and see a display of 14 unique Christmas trees.
Erin Mee came from Sherwood with her family. “It’s just such a fun experience, because it’s a nice, long experience,” she said. “It’s not anything that’s rushed, and you get to see so many lights.”
With all the lights, there’s no wonder families continue to come year after year. “Boy as you can see, as you drive through, it is crazy the lights, and everything,” Schultz said. “Yeah, I would say spectacular is the right word for it.”
Schultz and his family have been coming for twenty years.
The Festival of Lights will be open from 5:30 – 9 p.m. daily until December 31. Entry is $20 per vehicle.
Comments