The holiday season is known for bringing out the best in people. That's why each year at Charleston County Parks' Holiday Festival of Lights, individuals are encouraged to bring a canned food item for discount entry into the park. Lowcountry Food Bank discount nights are every Monday through Thursday, beginning November 12th at the Holiday Festival of Lights.
Collecting canned food items at the festival gates is almost as much of a tradition for the Holiday Festival of Lights as the lights themselves. This collection effort began just a few years after the festival started and helps the Lowcountry Food Bank provide necessary food items to the community.
By donating a canned food item on weekdays, festival-goers receive discounted entry into the park. Because animals in the Lowcountry are also in need, donating canned dog or cat food will also allow discounted entry those evenings.
Each Monday through Thursday, festival-goers who bring a canned food item for donation will save $5 off their vehicle admission fee (of up to 15 passengers). In addition to the discount, these nights typically experience less festival traffic and waiting, so guests have more time to enjoy the festivities.
Donations will help support those in need this holiday season. At last year's festival, 13,751 pounds of food were donated to the Lowcountry Food Bank. This equated to an estimated 11,459 meals provided to those in need during the holidays.
Charleston County Parks is also participating in a Lowcountry Food Bank food drive at Chick-fil-A restaurants this week. Guests who bring canned food items for donation to local Chick-fil-A restaurants between October 29th and November 2nd will receive a coupon for $5 off their admission Monday through Thursday only to the Holiday Festival of Lights.
Remember, the Holiday Festival of Lights is more than just a driving tour! After driving through the two million twinkling lights, visitors are encouraged to park the car to experience additional exciting attractions, including:
- Marshmallow Roasting
- Festival Train Rides
- Enchanted Walking Trail
- Old-Fashioned Carousel
- Portable Climbing Wall
- Santa's Sweet Shoppe and concessions
- Four Gift Shops, featuring the children's toy emporium Prancer's Presents
- Daytime photo opportunities to “Mingle with Kringle” (register in advance)
- Entertainment on select evenings
The 29th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights kicks off Nov. 9 and will be open nightly through Jan. 1 at James Island County Park. The event is presented by The Boeing Company, Chick-fil-A, Charleston County Parks and many supporting sponsors! For more information, including hours, admission fees, and more, visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com or call 843-795-4386.
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Press Release
