Hundreds braved Friday night’s frigid temperatures to catch a glimpse of the over 2 million lightbulbs that make up the Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park.
For Pemberton resident Jessica Jones, who attended Friday’s official opening parade with three children in tow, the display was worth the chilly wait.
“It’s a big deal to come and see the lights every year,” Jones said. “The kids really love it.”
Friday’s parade gave participating organizations a chance to show off their holiday spirit in the form of decked out floats. Taking home the award for the best float was Taylor Corp, whose float showed reindeer taking off into the night sky.
Parade grand marshal Curt Fisher rode in on the Kiwanis holiday train, which will be available for public rides this year for a small fee. Rides will be available Sunday, Monday and Wednesday nights. Riders will be picked up from the warming house in the middle of the park. Funding for the train was provided by the Curt and Debbie Fisher Donor Advised Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation.
Capping off the parade was the official lighting ceremony in which Santa Claus flipped a jumbo switch illuminating the park all at once to a cheering crowd.
Guests then got a chance to walk the park in all its glory.
Damon Frasier said his family never misses the lights.
“Every year we come out and check it out,” Frasier said. “It’s something we can’t miss. It’s always beautiful and kind of just a family tradition.”
The Kiwanis Holiday Lights run through Dec. 31.