IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – A dazzling holiday light display at Lake Antoine Park has taken on a competitive twist this year. The Lights at the Lake event, now open through New Year’s Eve, has grown exponentially since its inception three years ago, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Ann Hruska, LAPP Treasurer, shared her excitement: “It’s so cool to see it from across the lake. It’s a bit of work, and we really appreciate all the cold hands and the extra people who are here setting up their booths.”
Two high school students, Rachael Walker, 17, and Marley Jones, 16, from Niagara, Wisconsin, are among the enchanted visitors. Walker expressed, “We’ve been up here the past couple of weeks, so we just wanted to check it out today.” Jones added, “I just really hope this continues because there’s not a lot to do around here, so this is something really special.”
As the spectacle gains popularity, visitors are already casting their votes for their favorite displays. Ann Hruska reported, “As of about 9 o’clock last night, we had 43 votes, with Boss Snowplow and Chris Hanley’s State Farm leading.”
Open House Night Details: On December 17, from 6 to 8 PM (central time), visitors can experience a special greeting from the creators of the light displays. Hruska explained, “The open house is because the participants wanted to hand out things and meet people, to show off their booth for one night.”
Concerned about safety during the open house, Hruska emphasized, “Visitors viewing the lights should just keep driving through. Participants will be in reflective gear, handing out items from their sites. Santa will be at the campground store, along with some singers and giveaways, and we’re going to offer hot chocolate.”
Growing Participation: The event, which started with 18 participants, now boasts over 40, with 48 booths set up. Hruska reflected, “It’s been great fun, and it’s a bit of work. We really appreciate all the cold hands and people who love their community are out here doing this.”
Top Participants: Among the 48 booths are various local entities, including Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department, Dickinson County Veterans Affairs Office, Bay College, and many more.
As the Lights at the Lake event continues to captivate the community, the final votes will be counted on December 17 at 10 PM. Hruska concluded, “I’m voting for the one that stands up to the snow and wind.”
Cast your vote for the best display, by visiting:
https://surveymonkey.com/r/YYFZ57C
An unofficial list of Christmas dazzlers:
Dickinson County sheriff’s Department
Dickinson County veterans affairs office
Bay College
IMK Kiwanis international ski club
Ride North
Linnea & Kristine flower shop
Edelweiss Coffee
Dickinson County, Democratic Party
Dickinson County Road commission
Bacco Construction
Freeman’s Nursing and Rehab
Motel 6
MJ Electric
United Way
CHRIStmas Miracle
First, Evangelical Lutheran Church
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Pine Mountain Christian School
First Global Methodist Church
Iron Mountain Kingsford Youth Advisory Council (YAC Club)
Coleman Engineering
Coldwell Homes
SGI
Champion Inc.
Fleming Construction
Guardian Flight
Dickinson-Iron ISD Head start, and great start readiness
Boss Snowplow
First National Bank and Trust
IMK community, Federal Credit Union
State Farm
LP SmartSide trim and siding of Sagola
Superior Title
Rize
Higher Love Cannabis
Erickson’s Jewelers
Frog, 101.5
The mountain 106.7
Radio Now
Eureka Tire
