Holiday Lights at Shore Acres 2019, Jan. 28

The 33rd annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park, drew an estimated 59,400 visitors from 45 states and 632 cities, towns and areas. Shore Acres State Park is located at 89039 Cape Arago Highway (GPS address), Coos Bay, Oregon 97420 (13 miles southwest of the cities of Coos Bay/North Bend). The “Stats” report accompanying this news release also can be found at www.shoreacres.net A mixed blessing: According to Larry Becker, Park Manager, “The continued growth in the event’s popularity does create issues when the park reaches both visitor and vehicle parking capacity. Visitors coming to the lights, especially on the Holidays, Holiday eves and weekends can experience delays of up to an hour or more to get into the event. We have encouraged visitation on weeknights, coming out early in the afternoon/evening and coming the first couple weeks of December when visitor numbers have traditionally been lower to reduce some of the wait time. The event location which makes it so special will always have limited capacity issues and we encourage visitors to plan ahead for the potential wait time.” The 34th annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres is set for Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, 2020. The event features a walk-thru display of at least 325,000 LED Lights and the historic Garden House open with hot cider, punch, coffee and cookies. Besides at least 325,000 LED lights, the display features garden landscape lighting, 26 large holiday trees decorated by various organizations and businesses, and dozens of lighted sculptures including life-size whales, animated sea lions, an undersea garden, Koi under water in the pond, a leaping frog in the pond, leaping dolphins and more. Inside the Garden House, long scrolls of names pay tribute to the business supporters, Friends’ members, park staff, and the more than 1,500 volunteers who make it happen for all to enjoy. Admission is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle (cash or check, no credit or debit cards) or a current OPRD Annual Parking Permit or Coastal Passport or current state park campground receipt. The Friends welcome donations for refreshments and for continuing the event the following year. History: The holiday lights event became an instant community tradition in 1987 when the Friends of Shore Acres, Inc. in cooperation with Shore Acres State Park decided to “string a few lights” to help celebrate the holidays. That first season, 6,000 miniature lights, one Christmas tree, and the open Garden House drew 9,000 visitors. Now, it attracts – on average – 50,000-60,000 visitors each season. For more information call: Bridgham=s at 541-756-5401, Shore Acres State Park 541-888-3732, or Bay Area Chamber of Commerce 1-800-824-8486 or 541-269-0215. Or visit the Friends= web site: www.shoreacres.net Mailing Address: Friends of Shore Acres, Inc., PO Box 1172, Coos Bay, OR 97420