‘Preview event’ extended at Hodag Parks

BY KEVIN BONESKE

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Those who missed the “Lights of the Northwoods” Christmas display Dec. 14-17 at Hodag Park will still be able to see a partial display through the holidays.

After members of Rhinelander’s Parks, Buildings and Grounds Committee heard Monday from Shawn Will, who submitted the initial permit application on behalf of Lights of the Northwoods for a four-day “preview event” in its first year of existence in Rhinelander, they granted his request to allow a display with trees lit in the park to continue from 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 1.

Shawn Will speaks at Monday’s Rhinelander Parks, Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting to ask that a partial “Lights of the Northwoods” display continue at Hodag Park through the holidays after last weekend’s four-day “preview event.”

Will said there was “a very loud cry” from people to extend the light display through the holiday season.

Though the physical, animated light displays would be discontinued, Will said a limited light display would remain on the left-hand side between the normal driving path in the park and the lake.

“The displays will be down, but the trees will be lit,” said Will, who noted he would be responsible for turning the lights on and off each night.

Will reported to the committee that thousands of people from the Rhinelander area and elsewhere drove through the park for last weekend’s display, which received compliments “hand over fist.” He also noted a goal of the event to collect food items raised more than 4,000 pounds to donate to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry.

Committee members also agreed to a one-time donation of $125 to help pay for the electricity to light the display.

Will said all of the lights would be removed from the park by Jan. 15.