INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. -- It’s free. It’s festive. And it’s a chance to give back.
The Lake Park Light Show in Union County is in its fifth year. Thousands come to see the lights, and in return, people are asked to make a donation to the Union County Christmas Bureau.
The show started as a dare. Friends challenged Lisa and David Brown to put together an incredible holiday light display. The Browns did just that – and they were amazed by the turnout.
“People came,” David Brown said. “It was like field of dreams. We built it and they came in droves.”
The Browns never looked back, investing more time and more money in their dazzling lights show. This year, the Browns have lit up four homes in a 20-minute light show. The entire experience is synchronized to music that can be heard on 94.5 FM.
“I wanted the kids to see it,” said Amy Burnett. She saw the lights for herself earlier in the week, and then drove her family back for another look. “They really enjoyed it.”
Each year, the Browns set up a donation box outside their home. Last year, friends and neighbors donated $2600. Every penny of that money goes to the Union County Christmas Bureau to help less-fortunate families with food, toys, clothes and financial assistance.
The Christmas Bureau is run by Union County’s Department of Social Services. Its director, Gloria Haney, told NewsChannel 36 donations are down in a tough economy, and the organization is grateful for the Browns support.
The show runs every 30 minutes – from 6 to 9 pm – nightly until December 31st. It is located at 4019 Lake Charles Way. The donation box is outside on the front lawn.
To learn more about the Lake Park Light Show go to http://lakeparklights.com/
To learn more about the Union County Christmas Bureau go to http://co.union.nc.us/HumanServices/SocialServices/ChristmasBureau.aspx
