Christmas Lights in Lafreniere Park - 2024 Program by Renaissance Publishing

December 1-30, 2024

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Lighting Up Lafreniere L ighting Up Lafreniere

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. “The Copelands kick-started this in 2009,” says Tripp Rabalais, the park’s director. “The whole Copeland family comes out every year,” he adds. “They’re still so 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.

Jean Unterseher, a New Orleans native who now resides in Mississippi, returns each year to bring her grandchildren to view the lights. Even as they have grown older, they ask to return to the lights each year. “It’s a family favorite,” she says.

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 insti -

tutions represented on the tree include House of Lee, Jefferson Downs, and DH Holmes. Be sure to look for the newest features added for the 2024 lights.

“Of course the grandkids love the light displays that reflect current pop culture,” Unterseher adds. “It’s also special for those of us who are old enough to remember references to past favorites. It transports you back to childhood.”

With an estimated 10 million LED lights, the installation is quite an undertaking. Each year, the park spends between $25,000 to $50,000 on upgrades and repairs. In 2011, the park switched to LED lights and started charging a modest fee for entry. Money collected for entry fees ($10 pre-paid or $15 at the gate) goes back into the lights. 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 walk-through, 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. Food providers are on site to offer refreshment.

The Lafreniere Holiday 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.

The Christmas Lights team this year includes: John Hayes; Paul Clark; Mike Couch; Ronnie Tew; Stephen Accardo; Dane, Esta; David Fray; Anthony Reynolds; Jeff Mumphrey; Patrick Lau; and Jonathan Accardo. Workers for Christmas this year are Maverick Charles, Kyle Beske, Kris Christoffel, Justin Mayeux, Sidney Watkins, Ramon Jackson, Raymond Johnson, Joe Barbara, Anthony Corpora, Bryce Campos, Jamal Chapman.

New This NewYearThis Year

Explore Lafreniere Park like never before with the Discover Lafreniere Park mobile application, your essential companion to the Christmas Lights display! Reveal exciting location-based multimedia experiences, highlighting the park’s beauty, history, and hidden surprises along the way!

Simply scan the QR code, search for “Discover Lafreniere Park” on the Apple or Google Play app store, or visit ethar.com/discover-lafreniere.

Bring the lights to life with fun and surprising graphics, and enjoy behindthe-scenes content as you walk through this magical wonderland!

• Reveal Hidden Surprises - through the magic of location-based Augmented Reality (AR).

• Unlock interactive experiences - at sites throughout the park, transforming your visit into an engaging adventure.

• Interactive map: Use the detailed park map to find key landmarks, walking trails, Christmas Light highlights and more.

• Share your visit: Capture and share unique memories with friends and family using your camera.

• Challenge your friends: Play games to earn unique achievements and track your progress as you discover hidden delights. Who can find them first?

Don’t miss out on making this year’s visit to Lafreniere Christmas Lights even more special. The app is free, easy to use, and packed with features to make your holiday season brighter!

Download the app now and let the fun begin!

Celebrating the Retirement of John Hayes A Legacy of Dedication to Lafreniere Park

After 31 years of dedicated service, John Hayes is retiring from his role as Park Superintendent at Lafreniere Park, bringing to a close an era of exceptional leadership, creativity and hard work. Hayes’ career began in 1990 when he joined Jefferson Parish’s Water department. However, it wasn’t long before he found his true calling at Lafreniere Park, where he transferred and began making his mark. Over the years, Hayes rose through the ranks, starting as a Park Ranger, becoming a foreman, and ultimately assuming the role of Park Superintendent, a position he held with distinction until his retirement.

John’s commitment to Lafreniere Park has been remarkable. Through both everyday tasks and extraordinary challenges, he always approached his work with passion, dedication, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. One of the most notable moments in his career was during a hurricane. While others evacuated, Hayes remained at Lafreniere Park, riding out the storm. First in the park’s office and later in a Parish truck as conditions worsened, his resilience and sense of duty were evident. For John, Lafreniere Park wasn’t just a job; it was home. His work ethic and personal investment

in the park transformed it into a beloved community landmark, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.

John’s influence on Lafreniere Park is perhaps best exemplified by his work on the annual Christmas Lights display. A labor of love, Hayes not only dreamed up the designs but also personally designed and assembled the majority of the stunning displays that have become a holiday tradition for thousands of visitors. The popular light displays, especially those in the Island Display area of the Park, are now synonymous with seasonal cheer, and are a testament to his creativity and dedication. Iconic displays like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Monster Truck,” the First Responders Tribute, a towering Ferris Wheel, Frozen characters, a pirate ship, and a sea serpent all bear his personal touch. For many, these lights are a cherished part of the holiday season, and they are a direct reflection of John’s ability to bring imagination to life.

Tripp Rabalais, the park’s director, expressed deep gratitude for Hayes’ contributions: “I don’t know what we will do without him. His leadership, his passion, his creativity, and his knowledge of Lafreniere Park are going to be missed every day. I feel

very blessed to have had the experience of working with such a dedicated man. I consider him a good friend. He makes it easier to come to work.”

While John Hayes may be stepping into retirement, his legacy at Lafreniere Park will endure. His years of service, his unmatched dedication, and his genuine love for the park have made a lasting impact on

the community. As he and his wife look forward to the next chapter of their lives, the staff, visitors, and friends of Lafreniere Park send their heartfelt wishes for a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement. John, you’ve certainly earned it—enjoy this next phase of life knowing that your legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and worked with you.

John Hayes and Dumas