When winter comes to town, families are always searching for the best lit-up neighborhoods. This year, the best of the best is at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, where a new event, Nights of Shimmering Lights is kicking off the season with over half a million twinkling lights.
The huge light and sound show offers a half million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. Viewers will drive through with car, truck, van or bus to discover why Nights of Shimmering Lights will become an essential holiday tradition for many families. Themed areas include Winter Wonders, Undersea Adventure and The Nativity.
With more than a 600 larger-than-life lighted scenes, tunnels and dancing lights Nights of Shimmering Lights is unique in its custom-designed scenes to celebrate the joy of the season.
“We’re here to make memories and family traditions,’ said Amanda Yoke, Nights of Shimmering Lights creator. Yoke works alongside her mother, Stephanie Martin, who takes care of the business portion of the event. With six weeks of hard labor and five able-bodied workers, Nights of Shimmering Lights comes to life for Hillsborough County residents.
“We’ve always done animated lighting at our home here and in New York, so we decided to take it a step further to the fairgrounds,” said Yoke. Although this is their first event in Hillsborough County, Yoke and Martin held Nights of Shimmering Lights in New York last year and have been animating their homes for more than six years.
Along with a scavenger game where viewers try to find Kris Mouse, there is also a dedication area. Loved ones have the opportunity to be honored or remembered this season as community members place lighted deer and trees in the field/forest display at no cost. Requirements can be viewed on the event’s Website.
“We’re hoping for vendors, people with food trailers and non-profits to use this opportunity to raise some money,” said Yoke, who can be reached at anyoke@nightsofshimmeringlights.com.
The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is located at 219 Sydney Washer Rd. in Plant City.
Admission is $20 per vehicle, with an extra charge for buses. Hours are Thursday-Sunday after dark, through Saturday, January 7. Visit nightsofshimmeringlights.com for a $2 coupon off of the admission price full details on this new event.
