Santa rides through the parade with some good boys and girls while waving and throwing out candy. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TWINKLE LIGHTS DAVIS

The sweet, melodious sounds of carols sweep through your vehicle. You edge forward under the arch, entering the park, and your car is warmed by the lights and celebration of the Christmas season. You ease around the roadway and gaze in wonder at the displays that light up the night and form the Jolly Lights in the Heights.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, after Tama-Toledo’s annual Christmas parade through downtown Toledo, a new tradition began. A sea of headlights flowed down Ross Street, as an estimated 200 cars went to witness the display. After weeks of preparation, Toledo Heights Park has been turned from a place of recreation to a place of celebration. The Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce alongside 24 local businesses put together the display of lights and Christmas.

This drive-thru Christmas wonderland is only available for a limited time. Only eight more chances to bask in the merriment including Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21. Only four weeks, just Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m.

A small $5 donation will be collected from every car that decides to join in the fun and ride around the Jolly Light’s wreath. These collected donations will be given away to a non-profit in January.

“This has been discussed in past years but was more recently discussed during last year’s holiday season,” Toledo Mayor and Chamber Vice President Brian Sokol stated. Hopes are that this event will gain momentum and the Jolly Lights become a yearly tradition.

Two elves help an injured gingerbread as part of the local EMS Christmas display at ‘Jolly Lights at the Heights.’ The Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce is hosting a drive-through display of holiday lights at Toledo Heights Park this year for a small entry fee. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TWINKLE LIGHTS DAVIS

Tama-Toledo Chamber President Gary Bock had this to say on the possibilities of the Jolly Lights, “Based on the response of our community and the requests to make this a special annual event, I am hopeful this becomes a wonderful annual event that many from all around will plan to attend every year. I do anticipate this event expanding in special ways year by year.”

Many have come together to see this holiday vision realized; Mayor Sokol has said, “Participation has been awesome, and the community excitement is encouraging.”

There are dozens of eclectic displays placed carefully around the park.

“We have 24 Tama/Toledo Chamber businesses participating in our first year. I anticipate more will be able to join us in the year(s) to come. We also have some fun lighted other displays brought to you by the Chamber leader team that is organizing the event. Overall, we have in excess of 30 lighted displays our first year,” Bock said about the multitude of holiday wonders in the park. He also thanked those individuals and businesses that helped make Jolly Lights the success it has already become.

“A HUGE thank you to the lead team who has worked hard to put this event into place AND to all the Tama/Toledo Chamber businesses/organizations that are participating. A special shout out to Shayna Zmolek, Marlys Upah, Kendall Jordan, Brian Sokol, Chris Nelson, Katherine Ollendieck, Cat Campbell, and Gary Bock for their vision, support, and diligent work effort to lead this new event.

Two little residents keep warm while enjoying this year’s annual Tama-Toledo Christmas parade held on Nov. 23. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TWINKLE LIGHTS DAVIS

“We couldn’t have pulled this off without the diligent efforts of the lead team who brought RAGBRAI to town two years ago. From this effort, we were able to get extra/enough electric power to Toledo Heights so that we can do this event and more future events as well.

“Also, a special thank you to the great community supporting businesses such as Aureon Community Development Grant and Iowa Premium. These businesses donated funds to help the Chamber make this event possible.”

So, as you go about your holiday season, make sure to schedule a time to visit the Jolly Lights at the Heights. You may think just because you can see some twinkling from the highway that you can give it a pass, but you’re wrong. There is nothing better to bring you cheer this year than the Christmas wonderland in the park.

Local businesses participating in this year’s event include Assured Partners, Birkwood Village, Cat Trax Productions (providing the music played on a special radio station, while participants drive thru the event), Chyma Machine & Welding, City of Tama (multiple displays), Corteva Agriscience, Gary Bock State Farm, Hardon’s Inc., Iowa Step & Tank, Moore, McKibben, Goodman & Lorenz, LLP, Pilgrim Heights, Scharnwebers, S&S Carwash, State Bank of Toledo, Tama County 911, Tama County Economic Development, Tama County Extension, Tama-Toledo Christian School, The Pump, Thomas Company, Toledo Fire Department, Toledo Police Department, Toledo Public Library, and WCF Financial Bank.

Cars were lined up as far as the eye could see, waiting to get into the first night of the Jolly Lights at the Heights. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TWINKLE LIGHTS DAVIS

Stink, stank, stunk, the Grinch jumped off the pages of his book to try and steal the Toledo Public Library’s display. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TWINKLE LIGHTS DAVIS

Santa sits in the historical train car looking out at all the people driving by. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TWINKLE LIGHTS DAVIS

This local gingerbread man peeks out his window at the Jolly Lights. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TWINKLE LIGHTS DAVIS