December 1-30, 2023 Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
p U g n i t L ig h e r e i n e r Laf
The Lafreniere Park Christmas Lights display has come a long way since its start in 1986. Over the years, it has expanded to include intricate light sculptures depicting holiday scenes and beloved characters, animated displays synchronized with festive music, and a dazzling array of colors that paint the park in a kaleidoscope of Christmas scenes. The Al Copeland Foundation donated holiday lights that belonged to local entrepreneur Al Copeland Sr. to the park upon his death. Copeland, owner of the Popeye’s, Copeland’s and Cheesecake Bistro restaurants, hosted a Christmas lights display at his Metairie home each year that evolved over time into a hugely popular local attraction. His lights became so popular, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office had to direct traffic through the surrounding neighborhood. People waited in their cars for hours to view the show. Eventually, Copeland had to scale down the display, but the tradition continued until his death. That’s when Lafreniere Park became the new venue for the display. Not much of the Copeland lights collection re-
mains today, but Lafreniere Park has carried on this much-loved local tradition. “The Copelands made major contributions to the lights in 2009,” says Tripp Rabalais, the park’s director. “The whole Copeland family comes out every year,” he adds. “They’re still committed, even as (the event) gets bigger and bigger.” Lafreniere Christmas Lights has woven itself into the fabric of the local community, drawing residents and out-of-town visitors alike. Shannon Wesley, a New Orleans native who now resides in Texas, returns each year to bring her granddaughter to view the lights. “Many years, we drive through the Lafreniere lights multiple times,” Wesley says. “You can’t beat the price, and there’s so much to see and do.” Many die-hard fans simply want to view the lights from the comfort of their vehicles and look forward to the new lights as well as the returning favorites. The popular “Ain’t There No More” tree, which celebrates and memorializes iconic local businesses that have closed down, always draws a crowd.
Some of the popular institutions represented on the tree include House of Lee, Jefferson Downs and DH Holmes, to name a few. “Driving through the park, there’s a bit of nostalgia for me and my parents,” Wesley adds. “But the newer characters and themes are a thrill for the 5-yearold in our car.” Stephen Valiente, the park’s small engines mechanic, agrees. “We have things that will bring you back to your childhood,” he says. Valiente is on the dedicated team that pulls off the lights display each year. The team’s hard work and dedication to the community are evident in every twinkling light. With an estimated 10 million LED lights, the installation is quite an undertaking. Each year, the park spends about $25,000 on upgrades. In 2011, the park made the switch to LED lights and started charging a modest fee for entry. All of the money collected for entry fees ($10 pre-paid or $15 at the gate) goes back into the lights. Much is recycled. Rabalais estimates that about 20,000 tickets were sold last year. The park is a hub of activity throughout the holiday season. The Crescent City Classic Christmas race is now permanently housed there. Popular attractions include carriage rides and a carousel. The walkthrough, which is on concrete throughout the park, is designed to be safe and easy for all visitors. For those who exit their vehicles, there are additional features to enjoy. Morning Call is there every weekend during the Christmas season, selling their popular coffee, beignets and hot chocolate. New this year is a beautiful, 34-foot Christmas tree. The Lafreniere Christmas Lights started modestly, but as the years have passed, the display has evolved into a breathtaking spectacle that rivals even the most renowned holiday extravaganzas. It is a source of great pride for the local community and a cherished annual tradition for families. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE LIRETTE
g n i l z z a D t h g i N e th Behind the Scenes of Lafreniere Park’s Magical Lights Displays
The annual Lafreniere Lights Christmas celebration transforms Metairie’s beloved park into a winter wonderland. Behind this enchanting spectacle is a dedicated team of designers, engineers and artists who work throughout the year to bring the magic of the season to life. The light wizards gather months before the celebration, surrounded by sketches and twinkling strands of lights. Heading the creative charge for the park’s team is John Hayes. With 30 years working for the park, it is Hayes who designs the lights. The entire team brainstorms innovative ideas to surpass the previous year’s display. They try to think beyond traditional decorations and embrace current themes. Over the past few years, they have expanded the Louisiana sports theme, adding a Tulane Green Wave and the eye of LSU’s tiger. Each element of the unique and iconic “Ain’t There No More” tree was hand-built by the team.
“When I started here, it was mini lights and chicken wire,” Hayes says. Since then, the park has featured lighting displays based on popular characters such as Marvel superheroes, Transformers, Star Wars and more. “Nobody else has C3PO or Minions or Hot Wheels,” he says. The team does this as a side gig; their regular work still must get done. But they say they wouldn’t have it any other way. “Not one person was hired (specifically) to do Christmas lights,” says Tripp Rabalais, the park’s director. “It’s the best display in the region and we really take pride in it. You can’t buy this stuff at a store – these guys create every single sculpture.” Rabalais estimates that about 85 percent of the current displays are hand-built. Each member of the team brings unique skills to the table – from electrical engineers ensuring the safety of the installations to artists meticulously crafting handmade ornaments. Once the designs are finalized,
the construction phase begins. Technicians and engineers work to bring the sketches to life. A group of four or five people starts in the spring, meticulously wrapping thousands of lights, ensuring that each bulb is perfectly placed to achieve the desired effect. Things really speed up in September. Two park electricians start running power for the lights. Everyone works tirelessly to set up the displays, transforming the park into a magical realm. By November, it’s all hands on deck, seven days a week. Ideas for the following year’s display are brainstormed as soon as the current celebration wraps up. The design process is a meticulous dance between imagination and technical feasibility. The designs often feature intricate light sculptures, animated displays, and synchronized light shows set to classic holiday tunes. When the season wraps up, the lights are stored in a 12,000-foot ware-
house to await the next year’s event. The current display features more than 10 million LED lights. It’s a massive undertaking, but for the team, the joy on people’s faces when they see the finished product makes it all worthwhile. One of the highlights of this year’s display is a new, 34-foot Christmas tree that is destined to become a crowd favorite. You also may see Lafreniere Park’s new promotional Jeep as you drive through. As Lafreniere Lights prepares to illuminate the night sky, the team reflects on the months of hard work that have gone into creating this holiday spectacle. Their dedication to creating a magical experience for the community is evident in every twinkling light. As you enjoy Lafreniere Lights’ dazzling displays this Christmas season, take a moment to appreciate the passion and creativity of the team that turns dreams of a winter wonderland into a radiant reality.
Amenities
SPORTS Soccer/Multi-Use Fields Five multi-use fields primarily used for soccer FIFA Soccer Complex FIFA certified professional Soccer Complex with quality turf fields Healthtrack Two-mile track with two warm-up areas Disc Golf Area Free 21-hole disc course RECREATIONAL Bark Park Five-acre park sectioned for large dogs and small dogs Marsh Island A redeveloped and preserved marshland with views of natural vegetation and animal life.
Singing Oaks A peaceful area of the Park where you can enjoy the numerous donated Wind Chimes. Open Meadow A large open area with a performance stage for outdoor events. Carousel A whimsical ride featuring 30 moving horses, a tiger, a zebra and two chariots. Spray Park A 4,000-sqft. area with 13 water features. MEETING AND PARTY FACILITIES Foundation Center Indoor building space for special events equipped with a small kitchen and fantastic park views. Features outdoor patio garden. Shelters Shelters of varying sizes for groups between 10-70 people. Includes BBQ pits, water and electricity.
WORD SEARCH LIGHTS ANGEL GIFT CANDLE WREATH REINDEER ELVES SNOW HOLLY TREE CAROLS STOCKING DECEMBER CHRISTMAS WINTER SANTA
Upcoming Events in Lafreniere Park 2024 EVERY WEDNESDAY
Lafreniere Park Farmers Art Market 1-6 p.m.
14
Food Fight
23
Easter Egg Hunt
MAR
MAR
19-21 APR
International Soccer Tournament
19
Fat Boy 5K
3
Uncle Sam Jam
5-6
Que Pasa
19
Trunk or Treat
24
Top Taco
1-30
Christmas Lights
MAY
JUL
OCT
OCT
OCT
DEC