Northern Spirit Light Show (photo by Dylan Payne)

By Liam Verster

Nothern Spirit Light Up

Over 200 light displays will be featured at 11th annual Northern Spirit Light Show

Nov 10, 2019 | 7:54 AM

The Peace Draft Horse Club’s 11th annual Northern Spirit Light Show opens to the public Thursday, November 14.

The public will be able to take a wagon ride, or drive their own cars, through Evergreen Park, and see the over 200 light displays.

Kathy Miles, an organizer of the Light Show, says there is an fee to see the lights. It costs $15 to take a car past the displays, and wagon rides cost $5 per person, except for kids 10 years old or younger, who get to ride for free. Miles says the money is used to pay for the expenses and setting up the event, with the rest of the money going to local charities.

“This year there’s 12 different charities, plus we give to 21 schools for their hot lunch program.”

The Peace Draft Horse Club also uses the event to collect donations for local food banks. Last year they collected enough donations to fill 17 truckloads, and Miles says hopefully they can raise even more this year.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

She adds that though it may end up costing a bit more to take the wagon, it is very popular.

“If the weather’s good, or whatever, most people do jump out of their vehicles and get on a wagon. A lot of families have started making it an annual tradition to come down to the lights with the family and have a cup of hot chocolate and apple cider around the fire.”

Miles estimates that close to 8,000 people opted to take the wagons through the park last year.

Though the Light Show doesn’t begin until Thursday, sponsors and partners involved in the annual event will have a chance to preview the scene. The Peace Draft Horse Club is holding a gala dinner for their partners, and will then take them out on the wagons to see the lights.

Miles says there’s over 200 displays, which include everything from stars and lights in trees, to decorated tow trucks, and even a giant tooth. She adds that it’s probably the biggest light up event in the region, possibly even all of Northern Alberta and Northern BC, especially now that Edmonton now longer hosts a light up at William Hawrelak Park.

The Northern Spirit Light Show will opens to the public Thursdays through Sundays from November 14 until December 1. Starting on Thursday December 5, the event will be open every day, except Christmas Day, until Tuesday December 31.

Vehicles will be allowed in from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., while the horse wagons will only run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.