A cherished tradition returns to Farmpark

By Mimi Vanderhaven

Clark Griswold from the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation knew a thing or two about how to celebrate the season with lights.

He’d be envious of the marvelous Country Lights drive-thru show put on at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, which kicks off Tuesday, November 30. This cherished holiday tradition has been going on for more than 30 years.

“Attendees can look forward to new and returning displays prominently situated throughout the premises,” says Lee Homyock, Farmpark administrator. “A perennial favorite is Santa’s sleigh shop, with elves loading presents and a live appearance from Santa welcoming visitors from his cabin. We’ll also have beloved children’s tales brought to life, such as Mary Had a Little Lamb and The Grinch.”

A few of the fantastic new displays this year will be The Polar Express train station, “Seeing is believing,” and Rudolph’s Tunnel.

Cars can expect the experience to last anywhere from 20-45 minutes, rain, snow or shine.

“To bring a little of the Santa’s workshop magic home, we are also offering wooden toy kits for purchase for kids to create their own festive toys,” he adds. “They can build anything from a fire truck to a Christmas tree or sailboat, just to name a few.”

Last year, more than 40,000 people went through Country Lights display and they are hoping for even more this year.

Lee recommends people get tickets while they can, because the other popular holiday event at the Farmpark, Breakfast with Santa, has already sold out.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road (Route 6) in Kirtland. Sponsored by University Hospitals and Ganley Subaru East, tickets for Country Lights Drive-Thru are re-quired and available at LakeMetroparks.com. Cost is $27.50 per carload and the times available each evening from Tuesday, November 30, through Wednesday, December 22, are 6, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. Restrooms are not open during this time. Lake Metroparks provides more than 4 million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences at diverse facilities.