December 4, 2016

A Walk in the Park

During my recent trip to Amsterdam, I developed a deeper appreciation for the bright colors and lights that are part of our winter celebrations. The days are short and often gray; when the sun does make an appearance, it doesn't rise far above the horizon.

Lighted figures framed by trees and bushes draped with colored lights, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
What better way to stave off the darkness than with a festival of lights?

Light display: Elves among the gingko trees, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
For many years, a nearby park gets decked out with elaborate displays of lights during the holiday season.

Visitors stroll through a tunnel of lights, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
The patterns and colors of this tunnel shift; I managed to catch it fully lit.

This used to be a strictly drive-through event, but three years ago the organizers experimented with a walk-through night.  It's a family affair, kids in strollers and wagons—even little ones on foot. Some visitors come bedecked in lights. We even saw one girl touring on crutches, her foot in a cast.

Light display: Rollerblading, hiking, bicycling, and strolling holiday vegetables, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
That first walk-through was a success. A new annual tradition was born—and has grown: they offer many more tickets, and this year added a second walk-through night. I persuaded a friend to join me.

Light display: Diving penguin splashes into the water near an igloo, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
Some of the displays are animated. Here, a penguin climbs to the top of the igloo and dives into the water.

Lighted inflatable snowman in a phone booth, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
It wasn't a particularly cold night, but this snowman was shivering (in an old GTE phone booth). I was surprised when one of the kids nearby knew what that was.

The kids have the upper hand in the un-traditional prehistoric zone, where a variety of dinosaurs romp and chomp (complete with sound effects.)

Light display, volcano erupting. Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
There are some snow-capped peaks, and even a volcano erupting.

Light display: Reindeer leaping with Santa in his sleigh, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
I think there is no better way to see the displays; but if you've missed the walk-through nights, you can still pick up tickets to drive through.

Light display: Peace on Earth. Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, California
Till next year ...

No comments:

Post a Comment