News

Actions

Runners enjoy Christmas Light Show at Fifth Third Ballpark

Posted at 10:53 PM, Nov 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-19 23:27:24-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Hundreds of people dressed in their most festive holiday gear Saturday night for the Christmas Light Show's fun run and walk. There were light tunnels, holiday music and of course, reindeer.

For 19 years, Bill Schrader has turned Fifth Third Ballpark into a winter wonderland.

"It's priceless to see the look on people's faces when they come here and see Santa's Shack open," said Schrader. "It's pretty neat."

For the second year in a row, Schrader decided to turn it into a family-friendly run and walk. Runners bundled up in their best Christmas gear to marvel a millions of lights.

"We started out with one million lights and it has grown ever since," said Schrader. "Our big attraction this year is our tunnel. It's 110 feet long, it has over 300 boxes of LED lights on it which equates to more than 50,000 lights and we have a lot of new displays. "Each year we add more to it."

The more than 500 runners and walkers had to keep up with the two reindeer running beside them.

"The kids are just bouncing around and having fun, it's a riot," said Schrader.

"It's fun to just see all the Christmas spirit that's going on around Fifth Third Ballpark," said Ethan Rogers. "They are usually really big with doing lights and stuff. It's just a cool fun experience to have."

With a portion of the proceeds going towards the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, it's holiday fun for the whole family for a good cause.

"It's about the spirit," said Schrader. "People love lights, they love the music and the comrade."

The Christmas Light Show at Fifth Third Ballpark drive-thru experience begins Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 1 every night from 6-9 p.m.