Holiday Park returns with Christmas cheer, festivities
Nov. 26—Krug Park transformed into its long-awaited holiday spectacle on Friday evening, welcoming crowds of St. Joseph residents to experience the magic.
Holiday Park held its 42nd year of the lighting ceremony with both members of the community and public officials.
Mayor John Josendale made opening remarks and then children of St. Joseph helped him turn on the lights.
The ceremony this year was unique. The lights were turned on for one minute then turned off for 30 seconds to offer a moment of silence for the late Larry Stobbs, former mayor.
A sea of cars then entered the park to drive through and get into the holiday spirit.
The Gregoire family was among the many that traveled to see the lights. Zach, Carrie and their two children, Ari and Hendrik, all said that they were extremely excited for Christmas.
"We still need to put our tree up ... but we are excited," Carrie Gregoire said.
Ari, 5, and Hendrik, 7, were excited to share their top wishes on their Christmas list.
"An LOL doll," Ari said.
"Pokémon cards," Hendrik said. "Charizard (the Pokémon) is my favorite."
Zach Gregoire said the lighting ceremony was a great event to bring the family to.
"We appreciate St. Joseph for putting it on. It's great to take the kids out and let them see all the lights and everyone running around," he said.
Carrie Gregoire said that it is the family's first time attending the event, and they were all looking forward to it.
"We are really excited to be here. We really aren't sure what to expect, but we heard it was a good show," she said. "We wanted to start the Christmas season off right."
Holiday Park will be open to the community from Friday until it closes on Jan. 2, 2023. People are able to drive through from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
Riley Funk can be reached at riley.funk@newspressnow.com.
