MANKATO, MN – Kiwanis Holiday Lights is gearing up for its 12th annual holiday light show, pulling out all the stops with displays, lights, and cranes to ensure a spectacular event.

Putting up over 2 million lights and 200+ displays requires around 1,500 volunteers. Preparations kick off on October 26, giving the team five weeks to transform the park into a glowing winter wonderland.

Volunteers come from various nonprofit organizations, school sports teams, and even Mankato and North Mankato city employees. Several local businesses have also stepped in to support the event.

“This is a chance for everyone in the area to take pride in their contributions,” said Kiwanis Holiday Lights Vice President Kyle Mrozek. “People can come out, help for a morning, and then visit the park later and say, ‘I worked on that display.’ It gives everyone a sense of ownership, which is exactly what we want.”

One key feature—the drive-through portion of the show—was recently given the green light by the City of Mankato.

The light show opens on November 29 at 6 p.m., with a special parade featuring floats from the volunteers who helped bring the event to life.

 

(credit KEYC)