VAN WERT – One of the community’s favorite summertime celebration
spots, the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, transitioned into a twinkling
winter wonderland as the Van Wert County 4-H Exchange Club set up for
this year’s drive-thru Christmas lights display, which opened on
Wednesday, Nov. 21.
After opening night, the event runs Thursday-Sunday nights until Dec. 9, then every day from Dec. 13 to Dec. 25 from 6-9 p.m.
This
year’s show marks the 11th year of the light show. In 2007, the event
started with only 13 displays and 500 vehicles drove through. This
year’s show has 110-plus displays and the event is expected to host
3,500 vehicles. Exhibits are themed around the holidays and are supplied
by local businesses, individuals, churches and clubs.
The advisor for the group, Jay Gamble, and the kids who work nearly 36 hours to put the display together, are extremely pleased to see the growth of the event, and would love to see it remain an affordable seasonal activity.
“Myself,
the kids, and the other advisors just feel like this can be a great
community event that is a low cost and can be a family tradition year
after year,” Gamble said.
Many, however, are not aware what the
proceeds of the event are used toward. The proceeds from this event, as
well as two pork dinner events, go toward the money needed to fund trips
to work with other 4-H exchange clubs.
Some of the states the
club has traveled to include Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Montana.
This year’s group traveled to Boise, Idaho.
To travel, the members
pay only for checked baggage, insurance, and any souvenirs they may
want. The Club pays for meals and the main travel expenses. The event
also funds other 4-H Exchange Clubs when they visit Ohio.
The event has been able to grow over the years thanks to generosity of local businesses and donated displays from the Baughman family of Paulding County.
“I
think this year we’re going to have five new displays,” said Gamble
“The Baughman family donated some more to us and they’ve really helped
us grow over the years.”
The car drive-thru is not the only
experience available. Santa Claus stops by every Saturday night of the
event. Also, on Dec. 7 and 8, guests can take a horse-drawn carriage
ride through the lights for $7 per car load.
Prices
are $5 per carload and $25 for oversized vehicles/buses. For those who
can’t get enough of the fascinating displays, a $10 decal pass for
unlimited trips will be available, while supplies last.
Follow and “like” the event on Facebook by searching “4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show.”