Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights

in Motion 

Come help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary!

 

We have completed taking down lights and winding them up. We are no longer in need of volunteers – we will NOT be working at St. Mary’s Field House on Sunday January 14th. 

 

ABOUT:

  • Initiated in 2014, Sportsman’s Park (north of Sleepy Eye Lake on Hwy 4) was animated with five Holiday Light Displays (donated by Bob Schabert of Courtland)  
  • The 2015 season brought a Santa Ski Slope (another Bob Schabert Display), Lights in Trees Animated to Christmas Music, a 33’ “Dancing” Mega Christmas Tree, Decorated Camper Cabins, Trolley Rides and an Express North Pole Mail for kids to hand deliver letters to Santa.
  • In 2016 one more big display was added (final one donated by Bob Schabert), the Cul de sac area was lite/animated, the driving path was lighted and the community concession stand was brought onsite to use in conjunction with concession stand, campfire and trolley ride nights
  • The event grew in 2017 with a total of 150,000 lights including 70 lighted trees. The entrance was illuminated and a lighted American flag was added. 
  • 2018 we featured 85 lights trees and 200,000 lights in the park. We added the Minnesota/Sleepy Eye and Presents Display. Hay Rides were also part of the special event nights.
  • 2019 saw the event grow to 90 trees and 250,000 lights. Additional displays were added including cutout displays for fun photo opportunities. A specially designed Red Wagon was built for Ride Nights. We enjoyed hosting the #onlyinMN signage during the month of December in 2019. 
  • 2020 saw additional trees lit near the entrance. These additions put us at 100 lighted trees and 350,000 lights. The Santa catching a fish display was added. A favorite of many…the “Leftover” Tree was created, utilizing the few strings of lights that were leftover after everything was assembled. A new shelter at the park was also decorated. 
  • 2021 360,000 lights, 110 trees. A Handicap Accessible Wagon was built for ride nights.
  • 2022 saw a mural added to the main shelter. We offered selfie poles for visitors. A special needs ride night was offered for individuals who have mobility struggles.

  • 2023  500,00 lights, 110 trees including eleven trees “adopted” by businesses/organizations, Memorial Tree, #Sleepy Eye Lights & Tree sign, Popcorn served in 10 year anniversary commemorative cups

  • Visitors can Drive Thru or Walk Thru the exhibits. You may view the show from the parking lot or park on the south shore of Sleepy Eye Lake for a spectacular view across the water. 
  • All displays and trees use energy efficient LED lights! 

 

Thank you to the many businesses, organizations and individuals whose support has made this possible!

STILL NEEDED:

  • $ Donations to purchase the necessary supplies/light to build future displays. 
  • Labor from Individuals/Organizations to help build, assemble and dismantle the displays each season and also fundraising event workers
  • Committee members to help plan, organize, fund raise and/or build displays

OUR DREAM

  • We believe this project will grow into a tradition in which local folks as well as people from around the region will come to visit.
  • A place for families to gather during the holiday season.
  • The possibilities are endless….but we need community support to make our longterm dream become a reality. 

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION!   

 

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