The Electric Group and its partners are bringing holiday cheer to Madison’s Olin Park with their Holiday Fantasy in Lights demonstration, a light show available from dusk to dawn every day from Nov. 11 through Dec. 31.
The annual Holiday Fantasy of Lights illuminates Olin Park’s landscape with a tapestry of sparkling lights. Viewers can drive or walk through to see over 50 light displays, including symbols of holiday cheer, iconic Madison landmarks and a live Santa who sits in his sleigh waving to patrons as they go by — even Bucky Badger makes an appearance.
The free display is put on by The Electric Group, a partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union #159 and the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.
Originally, the members of The Electric Group wanted to use their skills to better the community so the idea of lighting something up for all to enjoy during the holiday season came to mind. In 1989, the group created the 11 displays that eventually grew to be the Holiday Fantasy in Lights known today.
David Boetcher, a business agent for IBEW Local #159, said the event initially took place in Warner Park with only a few displays. But as popularity grew, the event had to move due to the sheer amount of people attending.
“A lot of the displays are very different from what they were 30 years ago,” Boetcher said. “It's definitely become a much larger operation. We'll have a thousand cars go through a night.”
Boetcher said the work of numerous volunteers, sponsors and members makes the Holiday Fantasy in Lights possible.
“There are so many businesses involved now, as you'll see through the display signs as you drive through,” Boetcher said. “There's a very large group of retirees of our electrician's union that spend months building and repairing those displays every year.”
Booths where patrons can donate to the event in exchange for candy canes are located at the exit and open from 4:30 to 10 p.m. each night. Donations go to various organizations, including The UW Burn Center, Habitat for Humanity, Project Home and Big Step.
