Sartell Country Lights Festival Opening Night Is Friday

(KNSI) – If you drive by Lake Francis once the sun goes down, you’ll see that the Country Lights Festival is underway.

The attraction is free and open to the public, with an official opening night on Friday. Engagement Director Nikki Sweeter says Fridays and Saturdays throughout December will have fun for all ages in addition to the colorful decorations.

“The rotary group is offering free hotdogs while supplies last, so that’s one thing you can look forward to on December 2 along with the free hot chocolate and cookies from 5:30 to 7:30, and then the kids’ train ride will happen also on Fridays and Saturdays.”

Senior Night is December 14th, featuring assisted rides along the three-quarter mile path. On the 16th, members of the volunteer fire department will be roasting s’mores for visitors. The Country Lights Festival wraps up on New Year’s Eve with a fireworks show.

Preparation has been underway for months and involved dozens of area businesses and organizations, says Sweeter.

“The United Way Day of Caring [in September], we do have a bunch of volunteers that come out and pull out all the lights, untangle them, do all that good stuff. So at least we’re kind of set for when we want to actually put them up.”

The Country Lights Festival is run by a nonprofit organization, with deep community ties.

Sweeter says the St. Cloud Norsemen Hockey Team deserves special recognition for pulling out the heaviest decorations. There are some new additions near Chateau Waters and the Department of Public Works has created Christmas light trees which you’ll see in the roundabouts throughout the city.

___