Symphony of Lights 2013

The Howard County General Hospital holiday fundraiser Symphony of Lights begins this week in Symphony Woods. The following was the media notice sent out this year

"20^th Annual Symphony of Lights

Symphony of Lights, a 20-minute drive-through spectacle of more than 70 larger-than-life holiday light displays benefiting Howard County General Hospital, will open nightly this year from 6 to 10 p.m. starting Nov. 25 through Jan. 5, 2014, but is closed Dec. 31 for the Midnight at 7 event. The display, which is presented by Macy’s, is located in Symphony Woods off Broken Land Parkway in Columbia, Md.

Symphony of Lights, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year, offers a series of animated and stationary light displays illuminated by more than 250,000 bulbs on a 1.4-mile scenic drive set against a natural wooded backdrop. In addition, visitors can listen to seasonal music on the Symphony of Lights FM radio frequency.

For 19 years, Symphony of Lights has been a holiday tradition for residents of Howard and surrounding counties. Originally beginning as a small community fundraising event for Howard County General Hospital, Symphony of Lights has since grown to attract more than 1,500,000 visitors.

In addition to nightly drive throughs seven days a week, Symphony of Lights offers special events:

• Military appreciation nights on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 12, offer members of the military with military ID $10 off the regular price of admission.

• Blinkin’ Binkies is a walk through the lights for families with young children on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.Strollers and wagons are welcome.

• Tail Lights is a walk through the lights for dogs and their owners on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

• Midnight at 7 is a New Years Eve celebration for families Dec. 31 beginning at 5 p.m. and culminating with fireworks at 7 p.m. (weather permitting), early enough for children to join the festivities. The event offers a walk through the lights display and other activities as Symphony of Lights comes to a close.

Howard Hospital Foundation holds Symphony of Lights as a fundraising event for Howard County General Hospital with proceeds during the past 19 years totaling more than $1 million. In 2012, Symphony of Lights saw record fundraising and attendance numbers.

Admission to Symphony of Lights is $20 per car or van up to 8 passengers; $45 for commercial vans and minibuses seating 9 to 24 people; and $125 for buses exceeding 24 passengers. Tickets can be purchased at the main gate. Tour operators can purchase tickets in advance, and private walk-throughs are also available for groups.

Coupons for $5 off are available at www.hcgh.org/symphonyoflights and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/symphonyoflightsfestivities)."

P.S.
     Most interesting place to be for Thanksgiving dinner this year? Dick Cheney's house. And you thought your family was complicated!

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