IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park brightens the holidays, benefits community

Starting Tuesday [November 24], the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers presents Holiday Lights in the Park, a spectacular and fun drive-through light display that raises funds to help children and adults in the Twin Cities metro area. IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park, located at Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Dr. E., in St. Paul, starts Tuesday, Nov. 24, and continues through New Year's Eve. The display is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily. Gate admission is $8 per vehicle Sunday through Thursday and $10 per vehicle Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

All proceeds benefit these local charities: Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission, St. Paul Parks Conservancy Foundation and UnderConstruction. Last year, more than 40,000 people enjoyed IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park and helped raise $50,000 for charitable organizations.

A youngster enjoys last year's Holiday Lights in the Park.

New this year:

• More light displays, animation and fun lighting your way through the parkway.

• Home For the Holidays: A Minnesota Christmas CD - The official soundtrack of IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park featuring local artists such as GB Leighton, Tim Mahoney, Mick Sterling, The Peterson Family, and others. All net proceeds benefit IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park charities. Look for the CD at local Target stores available November 10th. All CD's purchased at Target include a free pass to IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park (a $10 value).

• A CD release party at the Mall of American Rotunda on Black Friday, Nov. 27, featuring artist performances and highlighting sponsor and charity information for IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park.

• Pantages Theatre concert on Dec. 10 partnering with Hennepin Theatre District to promote the CD, sponsors, charities and IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or the State Theatre Box Office.

For more information on any of these events, visit www.lightsinthepark.org

Volunteers also are needed. Volunteering at the Park is a great opportunity to support the community, your union and to promote the missions of our charity partners. Gather your friends, families and co-workers, dress warm and head out to the park to spread holiday cheer and goodwill. Visit www.ibewpros.org to volunteer.