The Festival of Lights 2014

After several months of preparation the "Festival of Lights" was held from December 5th through December 31st in 2014.  I must say this was a fun event which we enjoyed almost every night of the event... we did take a couple of nights off but not many.

Beautiful display, the Red Tree,
greets guests as they enter the park

November was spent working on the light displays, described in another post.  During that time volunteers and park staff were busy with hanging lights and decorations.  We personally hung lights, built pole trees, erected "The Bears", and helped with the light tunnel.  Among other odd jobs we helped with Santa's Village and the 'ugly' tree placed in the new Seminole Village.  I say new, because in 2014 the Seminole Tribe of South Florida built a village in a location near the Craft Square.  

For Christmas I want...
(Marg with Santa)

Of course during the festival in the 'off' hours we collected trash, repaired light strands (reported to be over 5 million lights!), and adjusted displays.  

One view from the bonfire
Bill & I hung the globes in this tree

At night we became 'elves' to work the festival.  There were volunteers everywhere who came from the resident volunteers, local residents, and Citizen Support Organization members.  It was fun to spend time with new and old friends.

Volunteer "Elves" on a cool rainy evening
Dennis & Bill on bonfires
Dottie on Smores

Bill was the king of the Bonfire and kept the fires going most evenings with Dennis taking several shifts each week.  

Great fire for roasting marshmallows

I became the switch hitter working where needed.  The variety was wonderful as I learned new skills along with simply having fun.  I sold tickets at the front gate.  In the Gift Shop area I made hot cocoa, played and sang with Betty the violinist. and worked the upstairs gift room.  In the Craft Area there were different skills needed as the popcorn maker, fire tender at the bonfire, smore's and marshmallow keeper, break giver, musician, and trash collector.  For me the variety was wonderful and each job brought new friends, smiling faces, and happy times.

All worthwhile for these happy guests

I plan on returning for the 2015 Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park.  Yes that is in White Springs FL. Hope to see you 2015 Festival of Lights.

Ya'll come back now
Ya hear?