Kiwanis Holiday Lights Announces Results

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights Board of Directors is pleased to announce that $77,000 will be donated to the 67 non-profit organizations that assisted with the event this past year. “Year 10 was very successful in our eyes, even with us having to close 2 nights because of weather,” said Scott Wojcik, Kiwanis Holiday Lights President. “The generosity of the visitors to Kiwanis Holiday Lights never ceases to amaze us.” Wojcik added.

Additional statistics include:

•             Over 175,000 people attended the free event in 2022

•             The event remains completely volunteer-driven

•             All set-up was completed over 10 days during the five weekends prior to opening

•             All tear-down was completed in three days in early January

•             $77,000 will be donated back to the non-profit groups that assisted with set-up, tear-down and evening volunteer help during the event. Remaining proceeds will go to help offset expenses and to improve the event in future years.

•             67 non-profit groups participated, providing 14,400 volunteer hours with 2,600 volunteers participating.  Funds will be dispersed to the non-profit participants based on a formula that includes volunteer assistance with set-up, tear-down and nightly operations. Participating non-profit groups also received a tree that they could decorate along the walking path.

•             For the tenth year, visitors were encouraged to vote on their favorite non-profit tree this year. Winners were.

• 1st place – Mankato West Vex Robotics – $300 prize
• 2nd Place (tie) – Mankato Area Youth Baseball Assoc. – $150 prize
• 2nd Place (tie) – One Bright Star – $150 prize

•             Over 3,000 children visited Santa, and each received a free Kiwanis Holiday Lights Coloring Poster

•             54 Greater Mankato businesses participated as cash sponsors, showing continued support for the annual event

•             8 tons of food was collected for sixteen area food shelves

•             The opening night parade was presented by Girl Scouts River Valleys Troops 34494 & 37938. The winner of the float contest was Kato Moving & Storage.

•             Over 1.8 million energy-efficient LED lights glowed brightly throughout the event.

•             31 area restaurants donated food to help feed the volunteers during the event, as well as during set-up and tear-down

•             The opening parade and lighting ceremony for the 2023 Kiwanis Holiday Lights season will be November 24th, 2023.