The Lights at the Park (Original Photography)

Howdy!

The lights are up at Sibley Park in Mankato, MN. Last year, I just happened to be at the park whtn they turned everything on for the first time of the season and it was pretty spectacular. This year was... different.

^{Let there be Lights}

Although the entrance and traffic flow had been changed this year, I managed to find a spot easily enough and started walking toward the park. The number of kids-in-tow has increased seemingly exponentially and, before even reaching the gate, my ears were accosted by the gleeful surprise of children entering mingled with the bitter tears of those being dragged away by angry parents.

It could have been lovely. If, instead of cramming and adding to the "event," they had left it as a light show, it would have been pleasant. Instead, those in charge stuffed more and more "kid stimulus" into the park. What started as a beatuiful light show became a monster! They added huge cut-out Disney characters, Paw Patrol characters, and many others that I didn't recognize.

^{Merry Demon-Spawn Christmas?}

But wait! There's MORE!!!

Every single club and organization in town apparently contributed a tree to be judged. Why were these adddd to the park light show? There could have been a "Festival of Trees" at another location, and they would have gotten more appreciation. There were some interesting and nicely decorated trees, though.

The huge cone-shaped "tree" of lights made for an interesting backdrop for some of the photos. My camera doesn't do well in low-light and I couldn't bring a tripod (too many people), so I did my best to hand-hold these night shots. The results are mixed.

^{Minnesota Tree}

Most of the organization trees were nicely decorated. However, even among the trees, there was a monstrosity.

^{What the Fumpernickle?!}

As I stood there, marveling over this "gem," a five-year-old boy came around the path and let out a "Holy crap! That thing's CREEPY!" I had to agree. The local ballet studio attempted a girl-in-a-dress look. Maybe I just didn't appreciate its artistry.

^{Radioactive Snow-folk}

The over-stimulation continued, beyond the trees and cut-outs. There was a petting zoo with reinder, complete with the scent of reindeer droppings. A warming hut that served sugary donuts and sugary cider provided a sugar rush to already hyper children. A little further and there was a playground decked in lights, pony rides, skating rink, and even Santa.

Many of the light displays were intended to be shapes. This year's themes included hot air balloons for some reason. I couldn't quite figure this next one out.

^{Impresionist Light Stringing?}

The people in charge of this display should rethink its purpose and separate some of the elements out. It would be nice to have an indoor Festival of Trees for the organizations' trees. "Santa" is already everywhere else, so did he need to be at the park, too? What is the point of having Disney characters? They're not even seasonal.

It would be nice if the light desplay was just that: lights. That way, it would be more accessible to everyone, not just families with children. Instead of blasting music from speakers, there could be occasional live music.

While I didn't especially enjoy the "attractions," I had a hard time not laughing at the situation. Seeing all the embarrassed parents dragging their crying and whining children out was also a good reminder that being single at almost forty isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Thank you for taking a look! If you enjoy my work, please click the upvote button. Comments are also greatly appreciated.