City of Hillsboro: Lightopia

 Lightopia is completely sold out.

Well, "sold out" implies that there was selling, and no money was charged. This was a free gift from the Department of Parks and Recreation that turned out to be immensely popular, so that even with adding and extending hours, it still sold out.

However, those already reserved spaces keep happening for the next four Saturdays, including tonight, between 5 and 10 PM.

While you would certainly not get the full effect, if you happen to be driving near the Hillsboro Stadium during those times, you can get a glimpse of some lovely lights. We were impressed with the view from Hwy 26.

The lights are actually set up around the Gordon Faber Recreation complex, and as is appropriate, many of the lights on display feature sporting themes.

It is not exclusively sports. As is always popular, there are under the sea motifs, like orcas and dolphins.

There are also more seasonal themes, like gingerbread houses and people.

Of course there are lights that signify cold, like penguins and giant snowflakes.

Perhaps I should specify that these photos are from when we did go through, on December 23rd, and would not all be visible from the freeway.

Christmas presents and reindeer, all very seasonal.

What you would notice more from farther away would be the square tunnel of lights, and then the avenue of silvery trees that were really beautiful, and quite difficult to photograph.

We were impressed.

It was not just that they did a good job, though it was an excellent job, with lots of lights.

In addition, it was just encouraging that they could do it, and justify doing it for free.

In non-pandemic years their big draw is the ice village, and you pay to skate.

Add the City of Hillsboro among those trying to make the best of a bad situation.

https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/recreation-fun/special-events/winter-events