Leland’s beloved annual holiday light display is returning this winter, bigger and brighter than ever. This year, Leland in Lights will feature even more attractions for the whole family to enjoy and make memories that last a lifetime.
The Leland Tourism Development Authority (TDA) recently awarded the Town a $50,000 grant to enhance the festive walking tour through Founders Park. With that support, the Town is looking to add a 30 foot tall, fully customizable RGB tree to the winter wonderland, along with other photo-op displays. The innovative RGB lighting technology is digitally controlled to create complex sequences of moving patterns, animation, text and logo displays, and more. More than 16 million hues of light can be produced, and the trees appear to dance in the night sky when paired with music.
“The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department is excited to receive this generous grant from the TDA to support our annual Leland in Lights event,” Operation Services Director Wyatt Richardson said. “We pride ourselves on offering programs and events that make memories that will last a lifetime. We believe expanding the light display in Founders Park will continue to allow us to do that. Our goal is to make the Town’s display an annual destination for ‘kids from one to 92.’”
Last year, around 4,000 visitors from across North Carolina and neighboring states came to see fan favorites like the Candy Cane Forest, the shimmering waterfall of lights, and the friendly critters in the woodland light display. 4,500 to 5,000 people are expected this year.
The Town began illuminating Founders Park with Leland in Lights in 2018. It has expanded every year thanks to TDA grants. Overwhelming feedback from the community encouraged Town staff to expand the holiday favorite even further in 2021.
Leland in Lights will be hosted in Founders Park from Dec. 4 through Jan. 10. All are welcome to attend the free event, where there is something for everyone. Check the Town of Leland website for updates and more information.
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