The Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department is proud to host the 19th annual “Award Winning” Festival of Holiday Lights in Washington Park.  This month long celebration kicks off with the lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at 3:30pm with the Snowflake Parade through Washington Park featuring Miss Duneland Jessica Butler and Miss Duneland Outstanding Teen Elizabeth Stivers.  The Festival was honored as one of the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events in North America and Canada for 2007”. 

Stick around for the countdown to the lighting of the Park at 5pm.  The holiday lights in Washington Park are the largest free display in the entire Midwest, with close to 30 acres of decorations, 40 displays, 2 miles of extension cords, and millions of bulbs.  It is a breathtaking experience to watch the park displays come to life all at once. Not a big fan of chili?  Michiana Resources will have hot dogs and other refreshments available.  There will also be free cookies and hot chocolate available.  Listen to the carolers from The Elston Middle School Choirs singing your favorite holiday carols at 5pm and the Soul Steppers dance troupe performing at 5:30pm.  Warm up by the big bon fire that the Maintenance Department sets every year.  Or, take a ride on the horse & wagon for $1.00 per person or better yet, bring a canned good to donate to the Salvation Army and ride for free.  Santa will be on hand to hear the kiddies wishes for the holiday season and toy train rides will be offered from 4-6pm (weather permitting).  Don’t miss one of the biggest holiday celebrations in the Tri-State Area!  Donations are welcome!  Subject to change without prior notification. Call 873-1506 for more information.

December 5 - Begins at 4:00PM
Chili Cook Off
At 4:00pm the 6th annual “Challenge for Charity” Chili Cook-Off begins. The Chili Cook-Off event has participants from many city departments entering their best recipe for chili in hopes of winning the coveted “best chili” trophy.  This event is open to the public and those wanting to try each chili can purchase a $5.00 ticket which will entitle them to a sample of each chili and one vote for their favorite chili.  Bowls of chili can be purchased for an additional $3.00.  All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross. Call 873-1506 for more information.

December 5 - Early January
Washington Park Festival of Holiday Lights
The Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department is proud to host the 19th annual “Award Winning” Festival of Holiday Lights in Washington Park. The Festival was honored as one of the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events in North America and Canada for 2007”. The holiday lights in Washington Park are the largest free display in the entire Midwest, with close to 30 acres of decorations, 40 displays, 2 miles of extension cords, and millions of bulbs. Call 873-1506 for more information.

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