Last year was just a trial run, and a spokesperson for the Lights of the Northwoods promises a grander show when it open this weekend.
The holiday light display is adorned around Rhinelander's largest park at Boom Lake.
Shawn Will is president of Lights of the Northwoods. The event was begun last year to see if a large display was feasible.
Large crowds drove and walked through the park...
"...This year we're going to expand the event over the course of two weekends. It will start on (Dec.) 14-16 and then we will have organized events at the park again the weekend of the 21-23rd. We have a bunch of things going on including Santa coming down to visit. All six days we have a bonfire, we have carolers coming to sing around the bonfire..."
There are other events. The main feature are the tens of thousands of lights displayed around the park. Will says Rhinelander's show is based on a similar event in LaCrosse.
He says they've added a free shuttle bus beginning at Trig's store to come to the event...
"..All six nights of the event. It is free. it will take you from Trig's parking lot through downtown Rhinelander. It will take you to the event center where we have the bonfire and concessions and will drop you off at the lead of the walking path, so we do have the expanded walking and driving path. For those who want to walk the park and you don't have to sit in your car waiting to find a parking spot to walk..."
There's no charge except a donation of non-perishable food is asked to benefit the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. But on the two Saturdays, they will be collecting items used at the Frederick Place homeless shelter, including toiletries and clothes.
There's a full rundown at their website.
