HESSTON — A winter tradition continues as Dyck Arboretum invites the community to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season and the quiet of winter with “Prairie Lights.” Formerly the Luminary Walk, Prairie Lights will once again feature a quiet winter walk along sidewalks sparkling with lights. Hot chocolate, s’mores by the campfire, festive displays and musical programming are all included in the price of one ticket.
Prairie Lights will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. on the evenings of Friday, Nov. 25, Saturday, Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27; and Friday, Dec. 2, Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday Dec. 4.
Tickets are $5 per adult. Admission for children 12 and under is free. Tickets are available online (https://dyckarboretum.org/prairie-lights) or they can be purchased directly at the Dyck Arboretum, 177 W Hickory, Hesston, KS 67062. Your ticket purchase and donations support the ongoing work of the Arboretum, which seeks to cultivate transformative relationships between people and the land.
This year’s theme, “Welcoming Winter,” will showcase dioramas and performers reflecting cultures that have shaped and continue to contribute to the community – Native American, African American, Mexican American and Germanic/European. Visitors are invited to share in the rich cultural stories and traditions that are part of the local community, traditions that welcome the arrival of winter on the Kansas prairies.
Each evening, storytelling will occur on the south side of the Pavilion “snow globe” at 6:15, 7 and 7:45 p.m. Musical programming will occur on the west side of the Pavilion at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Performers and storytellers will be inside the Pavilion, with music projected outside through speakers. Visitors can watch performances from the covered patio.
Both Hesston Public Library and Newton Public Library will provide storytelling. The musical line up includes: Ken Rodgers on piano on Nov. 25; Outside the Bachs, with Joan Griffing and Les Nicholas on Nov. 26; Wichita War Dancer on Nov. 27; Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble on Dec. 2; Azteca Dancers on Dec. 3; and the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts dancers on Dec. 4.
Holiday gift items from local artists and vendors will be available for purchase in the Arboretum Visitor and Education Center.
In addition, the local scout troop will serve hot beverages outdoors as a fundraiser and marshmallow roasting will be available at the fire pits. Although no live flame luminaries will line the path, tribute luminaries to memorialize a lost loved one will be available by donation near the Visitor Center.
This and all events at the Dyck Arboretum are underwritten by their business partners, including AGCO Corporation, Adrian & Pankratz, Attorneys at Law, Golden Plains Credit Union, Kairos Consulting and Counseling, LLC, and Red Truck Painting.
The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston is a 29-acre arboretum owned by Hesston College.
