Holiday Lights in the Park was a half-mile array of holiday lights and animated displays set along St. Paul’s Lake Phalen and Phalen Golf Course. From late November through Dec. 31, vehicles donated between $8 and $10 to drive through the display.

City officials donated the money raised to four charities: Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission, St. Paul Parks Conservancy Foundation and Under Construction, a non-profit organization that works to get high school students interested in union trades careers.

“This was a great community event,” St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in announcing the success of the effort earlier this month. “Thousands of families enjoyed a holiday escape with a dazzling show, and charities that benefit so many in the community reaped the rewards.

“Thanks to the men and women of IBEW and King of Kings congregation who did a wonderful job, we have a new holiday tradition in St. Paul.”

Holiday Lights in the Park, which attracted nearly 11,000 vehicles and more than 40,000 visitors this winter, will return in 2009.

This article is reprinted from The St. Paul Union Advocate, the official publication of the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation.