Lights on the Lake on Foot

Foot Lights

For the last two years of the walk through Lights on the Lake the weather has been brutal. Still, rainy, cold, damp and windy conditions did little to scare pedestrians away from the newest twist on enjoying the illuminated holiday event. Perhaps this year’s stellar November weather will continue through Thanksgiving week, or perhaps not. It doesn’t seem to matter.

Onondaga County Parks has created three ways to perambulate through the 20th edition of the Onondaga Lake Park holiday display: a humans-only event, set for Monday, Nov. 23; a walk at which dogs are welcome, on Tuesday, Nov. 24; and a run, set for Saturday, Jan. 2. For the walks, the park will be open from 5 to 9 p.m.; the run is slated for 11 p.m., after all vehicles have exited. For safety reasons, Parks personnel will not allow runners on the course until that time.

For the two walks, a $2 donation per adult is requested—the electricity meter is running after all, and Parks employees don’t work for free. Costumed holiday characters will be on the trail and the Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake will set up shop inside the Salt Museum, selling glow necklaces and providing information on the organization, projects and membership opportunities. Refreshments, including dog treats on Nov. 24, will be available for sale along the trail as well.

Walkers can enter from both ends of the Lights on the Lake display—at Willow Bay or Wegmans Landing. Cover as much of the two-mile route as you like but remember there are no shuttle buses. And be sure to dress for the weather, whatever it may bring.

The run is free, but runners are asked to make a donation that will help offset the costs of mounting the event,  and you can run whatever distance you choose. Last year this event was almost canceled. After being resurrected, with a lot of lobbying by local running legend Lennie Tucker, 175 runners showed up. But please runners, respect the posted time of your event. Running alongside moving vehicles not only is dangerous, but also rude to those motorists who paid to see the Lights spectacular and only the Lights spectacular.

For more information on these special events, and on Lights on the Lake in general, call 453-6712 or visit www.lightsonthelake.com.