Imagine a place filled with snowflakes, toys, friendly animals, reindeer and even Santa Claus himself.  No, it’s not the North Pole, its Lights of Hope at Darwin Wright Park in Anderson, SC.  The annual holiday tradition has been delighting young and old alike for years at the park, located off Liberty Hwy. (SC Hwy. 178) just ½ mile south of I-85’s exit 21.

“60 different displays some animated and 3.5 million lights await visitors this year during their 7/10^th mile, 20 minute trip through the park,” said Ben Phillips, Jr., Administrative Director.   “It’s taken a small army of volunteers three weeks to set everything up,” he added.  Animated displays include a ballerina dancing on a music box, a waiving snowman, marching toy soldiers and an animated Santa.  All of the lights are computer-controlled.

Admission is $5/car, $25/15-passenger van and $35/bus.  Or, you can get in free with a donation.  Phillips said “Lights of Hope will be collecting suitcases for foster children, toys for tots, canned food for the soup kitchens and warm blankets for the shelters and foster children. Anyone bringing these items will be given free admission and a pass to come back during the 2008 season.”  All proceeds from the event go to local charities in Anderson, Hart, Oconee and Pickens Counties.

Lights of Hope will be open Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 pm – 10 pm and from 5:30 pm – 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.  You can learn more about the event by visiting www.AndersonLightsOfHope.org.

From December 1-23, Santa will be in his lodge.  Photos with Santa will be available for just $5.  Visitors can also roast marshmallows over an open fire, drink a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy a gingerbread cookie at the Snowman Snack Shack.

Creative displays, decorative lighting and a magical theme make Lights of Hope a memorable holiday experience for all ages.