Holiday Lights drive-thru experience at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and Agricultural History project organized the first-ever Holiday Lights drive-thru experience at the fairgrounds.

According to Jeannie Kegebein, the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation, the idea started back in October.

"We were trying to find something to help people remember that there was a fairground because we didn't have a fair this year," she said. "So we created something that would be appropriate for all of the restrictions we have during the pandemic."

Kegebein adds that many people volunteered to help out, wrapping about 80 structures with lights. Twelve community groups also created some of their own displays that visitors will get to see.

The event was also sponsored by 24 groups, allowing the two organizations to purchase all the lights for the 1/2 mile drive.

"We really appreciate the response from the community," Kegebein said. "We felt like we were going in the right direction because we knew that people wanted something that they could do during the holidays, and I guess we found it."

To attend, one ticket must be purchased per vehicle, and there cannot be more passengers than the number of seat belts in the car.

People cannot sit outside or on top of the vehicle.

Face coverings must be worn when the driver checks in and if anyone is purchasing food.

The event is open Friday through Sunday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. up until Christmas weekend. However, they will be closed on Christmas day.

To purchase your ticket click here.