Night of Lights comes to Northern Utah
Northern Utah’s first-ever Nights of Lights kicks off today at the Cache County Fairgrounds to raise money for youth programs in the valley. The Alliance for Youth, made up of various groups through out the area, including the Cache and Logan School Districts, Logan Parks and Recreation Department, Boys and Girls Clubs of Cache Valley, Cache County 4-H, Cache Chamber of Commerce and USU is starting what they hope to be Northern Utah’s premier Christmas light display.
The Alliance directs after-school programs available for children whose parents work into after-school hours. Liz Wright, one of the directors of the Alliance, said the two biggest problems they face is a lack of continuous funding and an unstable volunteer pool. Government grants only go so far and many of the university students who volunteer change from year to year.
“These programs are so valuable for the children who utilize them,” said Wright. “It scares me to think of closing this after-school option to these kids because of the alternative after-school activities that are sometimes available.”
Local businesses have supported the Nights of Lights by purchasing a display case shown along the path of the Christmas lights for the entire event. Free nightly activities will run through the month of December. Donation boxes will be available for those who wish to make donations and those in a special holiday spirit can learn how to volunteer with the Alliance.
There will be a lighting ceremony titled “Lights On for After School” tonight at 7 p.m. initiated by local youth. The youth won the honor of flipping the switch through an essay contest where they were asked to describe what they wanted the most every day after school.
“This is such a great cause and our hope is that through these efforts we can make the Alliance for Youth a household name that parents can recognize as an opportunity for their children,” Wright said.
This is the largest Christmas light display in Cache County this year and the Alliance hopes to draw people from all around and outside the valley. Santa’s workshop, the North Pole, sleigh rides and seasonal window displays will add to the magic of the holidays.
The event offers plenty for attendees to enjoy everyday of the week. Mondays will be filled with free family entertainment, Fridays will offer live performances from local and youth musicians and Saturdays will be packed with activities like a craft fair, ice carving, workshops and a visit from Santa. The decorated pavilion at the Fairgrounds is available to rent each evening for company or family parties.
The Alliance for Youth is one of only a few programs of its kind in the state. Wright said many Utah communities look to Cache Valley for is implementation of such a helpful program for the youth. The alliance is operated by volunteers and attracts hundreds of students to its extended day activities, but the activities can be expensive to fund.
“Aside from the entertainment factor,” Wright said, “this event will allow us to continue to help the kids in the community. This opportunity is one we hope everyone will take. Our hope is that this event will provide funding for the alliance for years to come.”