MARYSVILLE – Snow in the forecast didn’t put the brakes on Thursday’s opening night for this year’s Holiday Tour of Lights at Cedarcrest Golf Course, and may have added a little more magic to the air at the annual family tradition.
Plenty more nights are available for family and friends to hop aboard the Merrysville Express Rotary Train for a journey along winding paths at Cedarcrest that have been tranformed into a panorama of 51 whimsical animated light displays.
The newest attraction is Minion Christmas Village. Park maintenance crews were busy setting up the displays this week.
Tour hours have been extended to 5:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10; 15-17; and 19-22.
The city has also added a fourth train that, combined with the longer hours, should help reduce wait times for the 20-minute ride, Parks director Jim Ballew said. Also new, the passenger line will be protected from rain beneath a large tent.
The train course wends through rolling hills on the west side of the golf course and around the pond, passing through penguin village, polar bear forest and other displays. Santa and his elves might even make a surprise appearance.
Visitors can relax on the patio at the train depot and enjoy hot chocolate by a warm fire pit while roasting marshmallows for a complimentary s’more.
Another new feature this year is a photo display opportunity on the 10th tee, not far from the patio.
Admission to the Tour of Lights is free, but donations are welcomed. Suggested donation is $5 per adult and $3 for youth, or $20 for the family. Purchase tickets in the Pro Shop.
Event-goers are encouraged to come early as the tour can sell out.
Park officials cancel the event in snow, or sustained winds of 25 mph or more.
It it’s raining, umbrellas and blankets are available Ballew said.
For details call the parks department at 360-363-8400.
