The switch has been flipped and the lights are on bright at the David Traylor Zoo following the annual Happy Holidaze lighting ceremony Tuesday night.
Doing the honors this year was the Ward family and their three-year-old daughter Olivia Ward. Her mother, Courtney Ward, says they’re all about creating memories this time of year and this is a memory she’s sure Olivia will treasure for many, many years.
Zoo Director Lisa Keith says they’re so happy to be an annual part of the local community’s holiday plans.
Along with the lighting ceremony, those in attendance were also able to speak with Santa Clause himself who made a trip to Emporia from the North Pole along with several of his helpers. The Grinch also came down from his home on top of Mount Crumpit, the Emporia High School Chorale provided some seasonal melodies and the Emporia Police Benefit Association was on hand as part of a new partnership with the zoo.
The EPBA was hosting their annual toy drive benefiting TFI Family Services and St. Francis Ministries. EPBA President Dominic Wortherms says it’s important to them to make sure they collect gifts for children of all ages.
Donation totals are currently pending. A total of more than 20,000 lights were strung throughout the zoo this year and will remain on from 6 pm to midnight every night from now until the end of the year.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
