Inside the 13-Year Holiday Tradition Lighting Up Minnesota

Описание: Discover how one Minnesota community transformed Sibley Park into a breathtaking winter wonderland with 2 million Christmas lights—and how you can be part of this 13-year-old holiday tradition that's raised thousands for local nonprofits and fed families in need.

Welcome to The Woven Record's mini-episode exploring Kiwanis Holiday Lights, Mankato's premier holiday display featuring over 2 million twinkling Christmas lights across Sibley Park! In this in-depth exploration, hosts Mike Lagerquist and Becki True sit down with Scott Wochik, president of Kiwanis Holiday Lights, to uncover the incredible community effort behind this 13-year-old tradition.

Learn how this free, family-friendly event operates every night from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, supported by thousands of volunteers from Minnesota State Mankato, Bethany Lutheran College, Gustavus Adolphus College, and 70 area nonprofits. Discover the new features this year including 20 spectacular new displays, the 12 Days of Christmas installations (8-14 feet tall), innovative LED technology with projection capabilities, and expanded train rides. Scott reveals how the event generates $1,500-$2,000 per nonprofit participant and donates to 19 food shelves, making this a true community-powered event.

Plus, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Magway Collective, a modern co-working space in downtown Mankato's historic Hubbard Building, featuring private phone booths, conference rooms, and professional amenities. Perfect for families planning their holiday outing or community leaders interested in event management and nonprofit partnerships.


⏰ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction: Mankato's Christmas Light Legacy

0:53 - From Broad Street to Kiwanis Holiday Lights: How It Started

1:38 - Kiwanis Holiday Lights: 13 Years of Growth & Operations

2:26 - Event Schedule & Community Impact Overview

3:12 - Volunteer Partnerships: Athletic Teams & Nonprofits

4:46 - Visitor Numbers & Best Times to Experience the Lights

5:31 - Sibley Park Setting: The Perfect Holiday Backdrop

6:18 - Interview with Scott Wojick: Event President & Operations

7:04 - How Nonprofits Benefit: Fundraising & Recognition

7:49 - Daily Operations: Hours, Volunteers & Traffic Management

8:36 - Memorable Moments: Engagements, Weddings & Park Stories

9:23 - New This Year: Train Rides & Technology

10:09 - 12 Days of Christmas Displays & LED Innovation

10:56 - Donations & Community Contributions

11:44 - La Crosse Partnership: Building on Success

12:30 - Visitor Tips: Best Times & How to Get Involved

13:16 - Behind the Scenes: Repurposed Displays & Community Donations

14:02 - Food Shelf Contributions & Ongoing Community Support

14:49 - Get Involved: Story Submissions & Journalist Opportunities

15:34 - Behind the Scenes: Magway Collective Co-Working Space Tour

16:23 - Magway Amenities: Conference Rooms & Dining Area


Make Kiwanis Holiday Lights part of your family tradition this year! Visit during weeknights (Tuesday-Wednesday for fewer crowds) or experience the magic of falling snow with the lights. Plan your visit at KiwanisHolidayLights.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. If you have a community story to share, email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below—tell us your favorite holiday tradition!

Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Website: https://kiwanisholidaylights.com
Facebook:   / kiwanis-holiday-lights-292411840839782  
Instagram:   / kiwanislights  

Mogwai Collaborative
Website: http://mogwaicollaborative.com/

The Woven Record:
Website: https://thewovenrecord.com/
Instagram:   / wovenrecordmedia  
LinkedIn:   / 108436331  
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewovenreco...