Festival of Lights celebrates 25 years

r By Elaine Hanson

This year’s display reaches the milestone of going 25 years strong. The Festival of Lights Spanish Fork tradition has long been valued as one of those “family experiences” that you repeat and repeat and repeat. Consistent and growing attendance has proven that, and each year the goal is to deliver a quality drive-through Christmas Light display.

Careful consideration goes into the designing, placement and maintenance of the varied fixtures located throughout the park. It is located next to the Spanish Oaks Golf Course in beautiful Canyon View Park, and part of the walking trail is used as a temporary path for the drive-through.

There are many themed areas within the Festival of Lights. You can see “Olympians” perfecting their various sports of skiing and sledding. There are cowboys and dinosaurs and even a sea serpent floating on the pond. More prominent displays include the Candy Cane Factory, and Santa’s sleigh heading to the skies with Rudolf’s red nose leading the way.  One crowd favorite is our magnificent castle where the lovely princess throws her handkerchief to the prince waiting below. There is something very magical about this time of year, and the reason for the season is also featured in Spanish Fork’s display. A beautiful nativity with heralding angels greets you as you enter and reminds you as you leave that this time of year is to honor the Christ Child of long ago.

Brand new for this year, the theme has finally resulted in tunnels, tigers, and trees. You will be charmed by our vibrant purple tunnel bedecked with butterflies, hummingbirds and dragonflies. There is also a beautiful 4 tiered fountain and 6 animals: a family of 3 tigers, and a family of 3 elephants.

But best of all is the brand new 30-foot tall Pixel Tree. This “programmable” tree is a blend of colors and patterns all changing every few moments to be a continuous dazzle and delight to all ages.

Make Spanish Fork’s Festival of Lights a tradition for your family. By far the least expensive Christmas light drive-through in both Salt Lake and Utah counties, this is a splendid way to spend time with your family or loved ones and celebrate the beauty of Christmas. We are open 6 – 10 p.m. nightly from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. Your car full of happy friends and family costs only $8.00. Large passenger vans or vehicles towing trailers are $22 and busses are $30.00. For more information visit the Spanish Fork City website  Spanishfork.org/events.