LABEL: Canton
By Kathryn Kickliter
For the AJC
Q: We are new to Woodstock and are looking for something fun and family oriented to do. I overheard a conversation about a drive thru light show near us. Can you tell me about it?
A: You are referring to the two-mile Holiday Lights at Veterans Park show in Canton, off Highway 20, five miles east of 575
This is the event’s second year. The show took three weeks to set up and showcases over two million lights, according to David Pitts, the event’s organizer.
Holiday Lights at Veterans Park was born from the success of its sister light show, Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park (walking tour), now in its seventh year. Both light shows benefit local charities.
Portions of the proceeds will benefit five local charities: Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency’s Play it Forward, Enduring Hearts, Papa’s Pantry, Skills USA and Veterans of Cherokee County.
“Children are at the heart of Enduring Heart’s mission and top of our mind in everything we do. What better event to partner with then the Holiday Lights which brings such joy, community spirit and happiness to families,” said Carolyn Salvador, executive director, of Enduring Hearts said.
“We hope every family, no matter their struggles, finds peace and happiness this holiday season and all throughout the year.”
The park transforms into a colorful and animated drive-thru light show that takes about 15 minutes.
Three drive-thru tunnels, Santa, reindeer, snowmen and much more line both sides of the interior roads.
Pitts told the AJC he “was excited about this year’s additions, and is most proud of the 40-foot Christmas tree that boasts 10,000 lights and an eight-minute program that towers over everything else in the park.”
Pitts and co-coordinator Mark Lallathin led them to dedicate a quarter-mile of the stretch to veterans and the U.S. military branches.
Holiday Lights at Veterans Park is located at 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton.
The cost is $20 per car (cash, debit or credit) and includes additional run throughs on the same night. Season passes are also available for $50. The rain or shine event runs through Monday, Dec. 31, and opens at 6 p.m. Closing times are Sunday-Thursday at 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday at 10 p.m.
For more information https://www.holidaylightsatveteranspark.com
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