Last year students from the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class organized a “Snow and Glow” event at the Luverne City Park as a one-time group fundraiser.
The event built on the city’s “Nutcrackers on Patrol” Christmas display of the previous year.
The Christmas lighting show planned for this year is “Love the Light,” and the community is invited to decorate the park by the Dec. 5, the day before the event begins.
“It won’t be anything as fancy as what the kids did last year,” said Jane Lanphere, Luverne Area Chamber director.
Or it could be, if more individuals and businesses choose to add decorations to the 21 already planned for the event.
The actual decorating is left up to the individual or organization with electricity available near each of the 23 light poles surrounding the park.
The event kicks off Sunday, Dec. 8, and culminates the last day of the Luverne Winterfest weekend activities.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Luverne High School student council members will host “Christmas in the Park” in the park shelter.
The event features a festive environment with pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the student council elves along with the serving of hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies. Freewill donations will be accepted during the council’s fundraising event.
The “Love the Light” display will be lit for the first time Sunday, Dec. 8.
With a $5 per car admission, viewers may vote for their favorite light display. The paid admission will go toward cash awards for the top three displays that receive the most votes, Lanphere said.
Viewers whose vehicle radios are tuned to 89.9 can enjoy Christmas music as they drive or ride the loop around the city park viewing the lit displays.
After Dec. 8, admission to drive around the park to view the lights is free.
“It’s a gift to the community,” Lanphere said.
The park will be lighted each evening through Jan. 5, 2020.
Individuals, organizations or businesses interested in creating a light display for the “Love the Light” event should contact the Luverne Area Chamber at 507-283-4061 or Lanphere at 507-920-5197.