ALBANY –– The Albany Police Athletic League announced last week the 24th Annual Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park, with Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan
The nonprofit will flip the switch on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and the show will run from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2021.
This year’s theme is Hope chosen by Ella Rozonewski, of Albany, who won the “Theme-ing is Believing” contest.
This year’s Holiday Lights Extravaganza will be like no other due to the pandemic. While some events have been cancelled and others modified, the lights will once again illuminate the beautiful and historic urban landscape at Washington Park.
“The Lights have grown to become the symbols of hope, love, and peace that define the holiday season,” said Sgt. (Ret.) Leonard Ricchiuti, Executive Director of Albany PAL. “With the year we’ve all had, the people of the Capital Region need the sense of normalcy that our holiday tradition provides.”
Because of the changes, and some event cancellations, Albany PAL will need a little extra holiday cheer to help keep the organization’s programs going strong for the children who need them. There are a few ways the public can help and get involved.
Through cash donations via the PAL website.
By purchasing gifts for the toy drive, contact-less-ly, through PAL’s Amazon wish list. The usual toy drop off locations aren’t able to host those toy bins due to the pandemic. Items will be shipped directly to the PAL office.
And the biggest way to help is to come enjoy the Lights in the Park.
Albany PAL’s walking events will still take place, proceeds of which will go to PAL’s programming, and the Charities of Choice: Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, American Red Cross of Northeastern New York. and Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY. Admission is $5 per person, or $10 for a family, for each walk or bike event.
The Drive thru Sneak Peek nights will be Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. Each patron will receive a “bounce back pass” to revisit the show during its normal season, with their paid admission.
Bicycle Night will be Sunday, Nov. 22 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
New this year, Food for Friends Walk Night will also be Sunday, Nov. 22, from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item as a donation.
Pet Walk Night will be held on Monday, Nov. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Pets admitted for free.
The 2020 Grand Opening will be Friday, Nov. 27, with the show running until Jan. 3, 2021. Every Sunday night of the show, children will receive a special gift, courtesy of Albany PAL and the PAL Partners.
Due to current pandemic restrictions, the Lake House will remain closed this holiday season, and PAL will not be offering horse and carriage rides, vendors, or pictures with Santa. But they will be back better than ever in 2021, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Lighting up the Capital Region.
For more information, visit the website http://albanycapitalholidaylights.com/.
The Albany Police Athletic League, Inc. is a juvenile crime prevention program which brings kids, cops, and community together in non-law enforcement settings. PAL can be reached at 518-435-0392 or www.albanypal.org.
