Lights in the Pines drive-through display opens Nov. 27

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.—Lights in the Pines, a drive-through holiday light display at the Itasca County Fairgrounds, opens Thursday, Nov. 27, and runs for 10 nights. The display will be open Nov. 27-28, and Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20 and 21. The gate opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m., and lights go out at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 per passenger car or truck and $25 per small transportation bus or van. The fairgrounds event also includes North Pole Junction, a walk-in display in the commercial building. This year’s theme is gingerbread. Organizers say more than 75 trees are decorated. North Pole Junction also features chick races, model trains, the Grinch and Santa. A gingerbread house contest will be held Saturday, Dec. 19. Participants can bring their decorated gingerbread houses to the North Pole Junction building at 3 p.m. and pick them up at 8 p.m. the same day. Cash prizes will be awarded: $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third. A $50 prize will also go to the overall best house by a participant under age 10. Questions can be emailed to lightsinthepinesmn@gmail.com.