KENTON — From now until Christmas, Saulisberry Park in Kenton will be the site of a winter wonderland filled with decorations, lights and a cast of holiday characters.
The annual Lake of Lights event illuminated the night sky for the first time this year Friday night, kicking off the month-long Christmas celebration.
“It brings the Christmas spirit to life,” said Barbara Wyndham, a member of the nine-person committee that organizes the event each year.
From now until Dec. 26, the park will open each night from 6 to 9 p.m., giving families nearly 30 days to enjoy the holiday celebration. Special events will also occur most Saturday and Sunday nights.
Lake of Lights is located at Saulisberry Park, 13344 state Route 67, near France Lake.
On Dec. 5, 12 and 19, Lake of Lights will feature holiday characters such as polar pears, elves, snowmen, reindeer and penguins. On Dec. 6, 13 and 20, youth groups from area churches will dress as biblical figures, such as Mary and Joseph, for a live nativity scene. The last featured event will be a horse-drawn wagon ride, which will occur on Dec. 13. All special events run from 6 to 8 p.m. and are weather permitting.
“It’s a drive-through event, so people can pay $5, take their cars and go along and see all the lights, characters and everything else we have for them,” Wyndham said. “It’s really a fun thing for the family.”
Proceeds from Lake of Lights go toward local organizations, such as the Hardin Northern and Kenton City FFA programs, Hardin County Relay for Life, St. John’s United Church of Christ, the Hardin County Community Helpers 4-H Club and more. Last year, approximately $3,700 was distributed among these groups.
Members of each organization helps set up and take down the lights and displays, with more money going toward those who put in the most time.
“For every three hours a volunteer puts in, they get 1 percent of the gate receipts,” Wyndham said.
For Wyndham, Lake of Lights benefits not just the organizations involved but the community as a whole.
“We feel that you need something for the community to be able to enjoy together,” she said. “For our small community, we think it’s something that’s really exciting, especially for the young kids who light up when they see everything.”
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