39 North Pole Village holiday light festival returns to Downtown Sparks this week with an endless supply of free family fun.
The popular event held December 6 through December 8, in downtown Sparks has thousands of holiday enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the transformation of Victorian Square into a winter wonderland. More than 15,000 people are expected to visit 39 North Pole Village this week. The annual holiday light festival features thousands of twinkling lights, free Engine 39 train rides, live music, craft vendors, great food, family fun, holiday cheer and the fan favorite Griswold Challenge light display contest.
The heated vendor village tent will provide guests with an opportunity to stay warm while they shop local this holiday season. Santa will also be there to take requests and read special letters he has received to make this a truly special holiday tradition.
The Griswold Challenge, where local families and businesses compete in a light display contest inspired by the one and only Clark Griswold from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has several new teams competing this year. Last year, Tholl Fence Company from Sparks won $350 and the People’s Choice award in the contest. To enter teams will pay a $100 entrance fee for a 10×20 space to decorate.
“Last year, the Griswold Challenge teams took their displays to the next level. There were classic trucks, a Santa mannequin, a display based on the Netflix show Stranger Things, and a dozen other creative displays,” said co-chair and community volunteer Lisa Jansen. “This is a People’s Choice contest and voting ends at 8 p.m. on Saturday night and then the winner will be announced as soon as the ballots are counted. Remember to come down early and vote for your favorite display.”
“This is the largest holiday light festival in northern Nevada and it’s run by volunteers and paid for by our generous sponsors,” said Angela Handler, 39 North Events Director. “We hope you’ll visit the event and make it a family tradition.”
People in the community who would like to support the event or compete in the Griswold Challenge can contact Angela Handler at (775) 690-2581 or angela@39NorthDowntown.com for more information.
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