The David Traylor Zoo is now and will remain through the rest of the year awashed in holiday light, quite literally.
Tuesday night, the annual Happy Holidaze lighting ceremony saw 29,000 feet of lights switched on for the holiday season. Winning the right to flip the switch was Larry Fowler and Pam Brack, with Brack’s grandson, Daniel, doing the honors.
Brack says this was her first Happy Holidaze and it was one she won’t forget.
Fowler says they were happy to all be together for the event, saying family time is what the holidays are all about.
According to Zoo Director Brenda Young, this year saw almost 90 percent of the lights made up of LEDs, getting the zoo one step closer to 100 percent LED conversion, a goal that has been in the works for many years now. Young says she is very hopeful they will hit that mark by next year and the zoo will be able to offer so much more as a result.
Along with the official turning of the lights at the zoo, the Emporia Police Benefit Association had its annual toy drive, collecting brand-new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and other items for children needing something special for the holidays. Emporia Police Cpt. Lisa Hayes says EPD is always thankful for opportunities to engage with the public, but it’s especially important during the holiday season.
All gifts, including financial donations, are split between Saint Francis Ministries and TFI Family Services.
Attendees also enjoyed music from the Emporia High Chorale leading up to the switch flip, consumed complementary hot chocolate, took part in games and more as part of the evening’s schedule of events.
The zoo’s lights will remain on in the evenings through the remainder of the calendar year, with the zoo extending some of its hours in the coming weeks so more patrons can enjoy them, according to Young.
Click here for a YouTube short of the David Traylor Zoo’s lights switching on.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
