Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation invites you to their annual Lighting of the Park, featuring a new and exciting holiday celebration at Huntamer Park on Monday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This festive gathering promises to be a magical experience for families, friends and community members alike, filled with lights, music and holiday cheer.

This year's event will replace the traditional Lighted Parade with a creative twist - a reverse parade. Instead of watching floats and vehicles pass by, attendees will stroll through the park and admire the festively decorated vehicles stationed around the park. Businesses, clubs, and individuals are encouraged to decorate their cars and be part of the display, transforming Huntamer Park into a holiday wonderland.

The reverse parade is a fun and engaging way to involve the entire community. Participants can enter their vehicles free of charge, but pre-registration is required to ensure there's ample space for everyone. The decorated vehicles will be judged in several categories, including Most Christmas Cheer, Brightest Display, Best Design, and the ever-popular People's Choice. This adds a layer of friendly competition to the event, inviting creativity and festive spirit to shine through the displays.

Beyond the sparkling lights and reverse parade, the event will feature plenty of entertainment for all ages. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present to pose for photos with children and families, spreading holiday cheer throughout the night. In addition to the Claus family, you can expect appearances from Winter Princesses and other holiday characters roaming the park to interact with visitors.

Live music and other entertainment acts will keep the holiday spirit alive, while food vendors will offer warm treats to enjoy as you walk through the festive park. Free hot cocoa will also be available, ensuring everyone can stay warm and cozy while soaking in the atmosphere.

The centerpiece of the night will be the lighting of Huntamer Park. At 6:30 p.m., the community will gather for a special ceremony, during which the symbolic Candy Cane Switch will be flipped, officially lighting up the entire park. As the park becomes illuminated with dazzling holiday lights, visitors will be immersed in a magical winter wonderland.

But the fun doesn't end with just the lights - Huntamer Park will also feature interactive displays that respond to music. These unique displays are synchronized with holiday tunes. The interactive element adds a modern twist to the traditional holiday light show, making it a memorable experience for both children and adults.

The lights won't just be limited to Dec. 2. After the event, the holiday lights will continue to shine nightly throughout December. Whether you choose to walk through the park or drive by, the festive displays will be available for the community to enjoy all month long. Look for signs around the park with instructions on how to experience the interactive light displays set to music through your car radio.

For more information and to register your vehicle or booth, visit Lacey Parks.