Photo by Samantha Davis Residents from Hill Street Place embarked on a trolley ride around Independence Park to see the Light Up The Night holiday lights hosted by Prairie Home Hospice Care. Lights are turned on every night up until Jan. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.

MARSHALL — The eighth annual Light Up The Night opened up last Friday night, decorating Independence Park with a plethora of holiday lights for the public to enjoy every night until the first of January.

Organized by Prairie Home Hospice Care, senior residents from Hill Street Place enjoyed a trolley ride around the park Tuesday evening to admire the lights.

“The residents enjoy the opportunity to ride the trolley and view the lights of the park in a more private and personal way,” Prairie Homes marketing coordinator Cory Brockman said. “Some individuals, with the winter weather, may not have the opportunity to go out and see the lights on their own, nor have family around to take them. I feel this option allows them to be included in our community event. They are not missing out on the festivities and hopefully enhance their Christmas season.”

Brockman said providing trolley rides to seniors has been a cheerful event going on for several years, before he joined the team three years ago.

Light Up The Night will take place every evening from 5 to 9 p.m., with additional activities going on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights like bonfires and visits from Santa.

This Saturday night, there will be family games and live reindeer at the park along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Despite the cold start to the season, there is an option for people to stay in their cars while going through the park.

“The last couple of years have been warmer, so we were probably due for a colder introduction night,” Brockman said. “We would like to remind people that on those cold nights, the drive-thru option is available from 5 to 7 p.m. if you would like to enjoy the lights from your vehicle. Listening to 94.7 (on the radio) provides some holiday cheer to the drive-thru.”

As the trolley made its way through the park for an evening of light gazing, there are also a handful of red mailboxes that are displayed throughout the area. They serve as donation boxes, which gives back to Prairie Homes to provide care and services to their patients.

“While there’s no fee to enjoy the lights, this event is a fundraiser for our organization, and contributions help make this magical community experience possible,” Brockman said. “If you’re able to give this holiday season, we kindly ask you to place your donations in the red mailboxes. We appreciate your support.”

Light Up The Night takes ample amount of preparation, and began more than a month in advance from opening night.

“This fundraiser is a significant undertaking, made possible by the dedication of volunteers from our community,” Brockman said. “Preparations and decorating began on October 6th … It’s been a joy collaborating with both groups and individuals, witnessing the incredible results of everyone’s hard work.”

Prairie Home will continue to give out trolley rides to senior residents, to make sure everyone in Marshall gets a chance to admire the lights and get in the holiday spirit.

“The happiness and Christmas spirit this event brings to southwest Minnesota is truly heartwarming,” Brockman said. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.”