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It will be hard to find a dark corner in Central Park this December.
With the Christmas light display now installed and operational throughout the park, visitors can enjoy the bright holiday decorations well after sundown.
To help keep guests warm this year during their visit, the Warsaw Parks Department has set up a stand to sell hot chocolate and coffee during the lighted exhibit, an idea that came from Tim Richardson, a department employee who died last year.
"The stand is a good way to allow people to enjoy themselves and stay warm while they see the lights in the park," Larry Plummer, park department superintendent, said. "So far we've had a good response while it's been there, and hopefully the weather in the coming weeks will cooperate with us."
Also taking place this month is the Dec. 16 "Christmas Countdown" family festival. The parks department will host the event inside Center Lake Pavilion and invites the community for snacks, children's crafts, music and pictures with Santa.
Activities Director Janelle Wilson estimates 200 families will attend the day's activities and said parents are encouraged to accompany their children during the event.
"Since it's during the holidays, we want people to spend time together while they're here," Wilson said. "Everyone can do crafts together and have some quality family fun. We don't want parents to drop off their kids, we want them to come in and participate."
Central Park carriage rides also will be available during Christmas Countdown for a cost of $2 per person. Children 3 and younger will be able to ride at no charge.
