Hodag Park lights display opens Dec. 14 

By Eileen Persike
Editor
A holiday light display last year brought a steady stream of cars and pedestrians to Hodag Park over the course of four nights. It was the Lights of the Northwoods’ inaugural event – only a preview. The park will be lit up again this year, with twice as many lights and twice as many nights.

Twice as many lights will greet attendees at the Lights of the Northwoods display at Hodag Park Dec. 14-16 and Dec. 21-23. Photo provided by Rhinelander Photography Club.

The large crowds encouraged organizers to go bigger this year.

“We’re expanding the event to two weekends, starting Friday, Dec. 14-16,” said Lights of the Northwoods president Shawn Will. “We’ll have about 100,000 lights; we’ve expanded the walking trail, and have events near the warming house again.”

Lights will be lit from 5-9 p.m. Events will include a bonfire, crafts for kids, concessions, caroling and Santa Claus.

Everything will continue Dec. 21-23. New this year is a free shuttle bus which will run between the Trig’s parking lot and the concession area at the park.

The idea of lighting up a park during the holidays began more than 20 years ago in La Crosse, with the Rotary Club display. Will said he expects the Northwoods display will continue to grow each year.

There is no admission charge, however, attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry on Fridays and Sundays. On the two Saturdays, volunteers will be collecting food donations as well as personal items, such as toiletries and clothing, for Frederick Place temporary housing.

A complete list of events and more information is available at LightsoftheNorthwoods.com or call 715-996-0384.