The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Metro Parks list holiday events
Holiday festivities are making their way into the lives of residents as Lorain County Metro Parks gear up for its winter activities.
Metro Parks Board of Directors discussed during a meeting Nov. 19 the success of its first “Boo Thru” Halloween celebration.
With the success of the program, the Metro Parks knew they were onto something, officials said.
Mariah Deitz, public information officer for Lorain County Metro Parks, said the staff received an abundance of positive feedback from Boo Thru.
“We didn’t get a single negative comment, and that’s not normal,” Deitz said. “There’s always someone who’s not happy with what we’re doing.
“We’re still trying to do all we can to engage with the community and bring them some holiday activities.”
With all hands on deck, staff are preparing for a new event called the Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru.
The event will take place at the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, with the exception of Dec. 24 and 25.
Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and are free to the public.
“All we’re asking is that guests bring a canned food item for the Second Harvest Food Bank,” Deitz said.
Lights are expected to dazzle guests and make guests feel holiday cheer as they drive their way through the mile long holiday light display.
Penguins, lighted trees and Santa’s Castle will be available to see.
To keep the event extra special, Deitz said the Metro Parks created “Santa Nights” during the Holiday Lights CruiseThru, which will give children a chance to catch a glimpse of Santa.
“We’re going to have Santa’s elves and nutcrackers come and collect children’s letters to Santa,” she said. “They’ll be able to waive from their cars and then we’re going to have Santa read some of the letters on our Facebook page.”
The Santa Nights at the Carlisle Equestrian Center are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 10 and 17.
Similar to the Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru event, the Metro Parks will host “Lights on the Lake.”
The event is free and is a twist on the usual light display held at Lakeview Park.
Classic lights and holiday scene, festive decor and thousands of twinkling lights will fill the 26-acre park from dust to 10 p.m., Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.
Children also can see Santa through their cars and drop off letters to him at Lakeview Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 2, 6, 9, 13, and 16.
Letters from this event will be chosen to read on the Facebook page.
“We’re so fortunate to have so much open space where we’re able to hold events in the cool, clean air,” Deitz said. “A lot of companies and businesses that have holiday events, don’t have access to what we have, and we’re very fortunate.”
The parks have served as a continuous stress relief for people during the novel coronavirus pandemic, she said.
“Throughout all of COVID-19, the parks have been a safe space for people to go through all of this,” Deitz said. “We understand there’s a sense of responsibility that we hold with the mental health and emotional well-being of our visitors and staff.”
Metro Parks naturalists worked extra hard to create the “Miller Woods Holiday Express” at Miller Nature Preserve, Deitz said.
It will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 4, 11, 12 and 18.
Tickets went on sale Nov. 9 and cost $10 per person.
Included with admission is a ride on the Little Green Choo through the woods to Santa’s workshop, a cup of hot chocolate, cookies and take home crafts.
After the event, guests are encouraged to stop by Miller Nature Preserve’s Conservatory display of “Holiday Favorites” which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 27 to Dec. 3.
The cost is $2 per person.
“When we’re still able to do this kind of stuff, it’s heartwarming,” Deitz said. “We know it’s important and it’s important to us, too, not just the community members.
“Being able to maintain that level of Christmas magic makes you feel like one of Santa’s helpers. It’s a great place to be.”