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Drive-Thru Holiday Lights at Manito Park December 11 – 20, 2020

The Friends of Manito and Spokane Parks & Recreation partner with sponsors to create festive replacement for traditional indoor Gaiser Conservatory show

Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297. Parks & Recreation: 311

Friday, December 4, 2020 at 2:12 p.m.

SPOKANE -- The Friends of Manito and City of Spokane Parks & Recreation are partnering with several sponsors to bring the community a socially distant drive-thru holiday light show at Manito Park.

The Enchanted Garden Drive-Thru Holiday Lights at Manito transforms a decades-long Spokane tradition into a COVID-friendly experience to lift spirits and brighten the season. Typically held indoors at Manito’s Gaiser Conservatory, we’re moving the show outdoors to allow for physical distancing.

“For the past 20 years, The Friends of Manito and the Manito Park staff have created a holiday lights tradition,” said Kelly Brown, president of The Friends of Manito. “In a year so challenging, we are thrilled to keep the tradition alive and provide some light and cheer to the community in a new and fun way. Going for a holiday drive to admire neighborhoods adorned with light is a holiday tradition special to so many, and it warms our hearts to light up the jewel of our city this holiday season.”

Visitors are asked to drive through the half-mile show to ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. In coordination with the Governor’s Office and Spokane Regional Health District, the drive-thru lights will follow phase 2 guidelines for Drive-In Movie Theaters.

“It takes dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, thoughtful plans, a great Parks & Recreation team, and a true community spirit to make these activities happen -- and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. “Much like our 4th of July drive-in fireworks shows with partners and sponsors, our goal is to brighten spirits and offer a safe celebration where people can feel the community spirit together.”

The shows are made possible by the generous support of sponsors: Lee & Hayes, PC; Wagstaff, Inc.; and Washington Trust Bank. Media partner is KHQ. Additional support is provided by A to Z Rental, Star Rentals, KISS 98.1, and the CARES Act.

 

Dates and times

Friday, December 11 – Sunday, December 20, 2020

4:30 – 9:30pm Fridays & Saturdays

4:30 – 8:30pm Sundays – Thursdays

 

COVID-19 precautions

Safety is our top priority – please help us comply with COVID-19 guidelines (phase 2 guidelines for Drive-In Movie Theaters) by visiting the drive-thru lights in your vehicle only.

COVID-19 protocols for the drive-thru light show:

  1. Guests will remain in their vehicles at all times.
  2. Event staff (The Friends of Manito volunteers, security personnel, Parks employees) will wear face masks, traffic vests, and gloves, and stay physically distanced from each other.
  3. Event staff with flu-like symptoms will not report to work.
  4. Signs outlining COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines will be in place.
  5. Event staff will welcome guests and direct traffic while maintaining 6’ of distance from vehicles. Event staff will answer any guest questions through their rolled down car window and direct them to the proper route.
  6. The event route will be gated and locked prior to and after the event each day.
  7. The event lights will only be on during the event time as to discourage pedestrian traffic on the event route.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please view our FAQ at www.TheFriendsofManito.org/holiday.

A few days before the event, we’ll post a map of the route inside the park, with directions on best entry points and vehicle line-up.

 

 

About The Friends of Manito

The Friends of Manito is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Spokane’s Manito Park. The Friends of Manito was founded in 1990 to conduct fundraising, volunteer, and educational activities to support the responsible preservation and improvement of the park in cooperation with the City of Spokane and its surrounding community. Our active membership supports this mission through donations and by volunteering time and energy to key fundraising events, such as the twice-annual Plant Sale. The Friends of Manito supports its members through educational programs and events to further promote the community’s use and enjoyment of Manito Park. Donate at www.TheFriendsofManito.org/holiday.

About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, conservation lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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