Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Collegian Front Page

Media Credit: Paige Carswell Gaylan McCoy, David Bauer, and David Clift contemplate where to put a reindeer hile volunteering at the Isle of Lights set up day on Tuesday. This is the 14th year the lights hae been at Island Park, and volunteers said they were grateful for the moderately warm weather.

The weather is cooling off. Thanksgiving break is coming up and the holiday season is upon us. What better way to get into the holiday season than to visit Winfield's yuletide mood setter, the Isle of Lights? The Isle is located throughout Island Park. Entry is free, but donations are encouraged. The park opens for viewing Nov. 18.

Isle of Lights has been a Winfield holiday tradition since 1992. Area businesses donate money to fund a specific set up of lights. The characters range from Santa Claus to fishermen to the Wizard of Oz. No matter what the scene is, the collection of lights and stories sets a mood of holiday spirit and childlike wonderment.

Donna Homan, Winfield, is a Southwestern graduate and leads the Isle of Lights cause. Isle of Lights was held downtown its first year.

The committee adds new displays every year. This year, it is a tropical area, with many different characters. Some displays are purchased by people as memorials for a member of their family.

Homan said the biggest problems they face are the ducks that sometimes chew through the wires, and sometimes wind.

Homan said that her favorite part is all done by volunteers, from the hundred or so people who help set up to the six people who man the park every night it's open, and that it's always been free. "Not everybody is lucky enough to be able to go see all the new Christmas movies and attractions. If your family is having hard times you can still go through as many times as you like," Homan said.

Meghan Hoffman, Winfield, has been to the Isle every year for 14 years. She said her favorite display is the penguin area, with the jumping penguins, and the ones swimming in the water, and that little kids would probably enjoy the Isle the most. "My favorite part is seeing all the new displays," Hoffman said.

Lyndsie Oathout, biology and leadership studies sophomore, is another area resident. She said the Isle of Lights is a great way to spend time with your roommates, friends, and significant others. Her favorite display is Santa and his reindeer. She also says that one time through the park is not enough. She usually goes through multiple times every year. "I love Christmas. The music, decorations, lights, and spending time with my family and friends. And so I love it when we go to the Isle of Lights, because I get that all in one." said Oathout.

Michelle Dreiling is a junior majoring in computer science and communication studies. You may e-mail her at michelle.dreiling@sckans.edu.

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