Professional Holiday Light Displays in Olney, Illinois

One of the best Christmas Light displays in my area is in the City of Olney, Illinois. Olney is located in and near Illinois RT130 which passes through it north to south and Illinois RT50-250 which is on the south boundary of the city. Olney is south east of Effingham, Illinois and northwest of Vincennes, Indiana (follow Illinois RT1 to RT50-250 west from Indiana and RT50 from the Illinois line), about 60 miles. You can also get to Olney from I57 taking the Salem, Illinois exit and going east onto RT50 into Olney then north on RT130 to the Olney City Park. Or, getting off in Effingham, Illinois and taking RT33 east to RT130 (approx 29 miles) into Newton, Illinois then south On RT130 another 20 miles right to the park entrance.

This mostly Hand-Painted display is set in the Olney City park off RT130 on the north side of the city. It is put up by city workers and volunteers piece by piece starting right after Halloween. The lights are strung around the park's fencing, County Fair buildings,race track and most of the park's perimeter with includes the baseball and softball fields. The Christmas Light Display features more than 150,000 lights and approximately 200 displays featuring many Christmas scenes and cartoon characters. The display expands each year. There are scenes from most of the Disney cartoons and their animated movie characters. Including Cars, Nemo, Little foot and friends, the Little Mermaid, Mickey, Minnie and friends, Cinderella, her Prince and Fairy godmother, Snow White ,the Seven Dwarfs, and the evil Queen, Sleeping Beauty and her Castle, Belle, her Beast & Mrs. Potts. Aladdin, Genie and Princess Jasmine. The Barbie Princesses, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and other friends. Also Chip and Dale, and many, many more. Also featured are traditional scenes with Santa, has elves and the reindeer. The Nativity with the Infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph,Shepherds and sheep, Wise Men and camels and numerous Angels.

The display is actually open on Thanks giving, two days before the annual Christmas parade on which is on Saturday November 29^th. It is staged on the 55 acres of park property. This display is open for drive-through viewing from 5pm - 9pm beginning Thursday November 27th and opens daily at until Thursday January 1st, 2009 also from 5pm-9pm. Volunteers dress up in period costumes and offer hot drinks and cookies for sale. The fee for viewing this wonderful display is a donation at the end of the trail and goes to adding more lighted displays each year. Children can also visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus from 6-8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Santa & Mrs. Claus are in the Community Building at the Olney City Park. Where pictures are available.

The Olney City Park is also the home for many of the White Squirrels, which are the Mascots for the City. They are used in logos for the Police Department and the City Seal, and for other local projects and businesses. The White Squirrel is a protected species and the people of Olney are very proud of them.