<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=01NHcU_1H4iHha600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=01NHcU_1H4iHha600" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>A larger-than-life candy cane display welcomes visitors to the candy cane maze at the Desert Lights Festival, which returns to Waddell Nov. 20 through Dec. 27 with new attractions and returning favorites.&nbsp; (Desert Lights Festival/Submitted)</figcaption></figure>When Shanelle Kunz and her husband set out to create the Desert Lights Festival in 2022, they did so with a desire to give families a fun, holiday outing option closer to home in Waddell. The inaugural event drew 50,000 attendees — and continues to grow every year.“We had no power, no water, no experience and good luck — but we sure did learn,” Kunz said. “The local community watched us build it, they watched the heart and the long nights and the hard times and then they showed up so much for us that first year.“Every year we grow, every year is something new and exciting.”This year marks the fifth season of the Desert Lights Festival, formerly known as Desert Farm Lights, scheduled for Friday Nov. 20 through Dec. 27. According to Kunz, the new additions to the lineup include Winter Tubing, Illuminated Swings, along with a new theme for the Illuminated Walking Path. With the Winter Tubing, guests can ride down the hill at speeds of up to 24 mph, whereas the Illuminated Swings are primarily meant to serve as a photo opportunity, Kunz said.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0UdwAZ_1H4iHha600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0UdwAZ_1H4iHha600" width="1764" height="1174" ><figcaption>Families can enjoy a festive train ride surrounded by colorful holiday lights at the Desert Lights Festival, which has grown to feature approximately 1.5 million lights and more than 150 illuminated trees.&nbsp; (Desert Lights Festival/Submitted)</figcaption></figure>Though the cookie-decorating station has been discontinued, multiple fan-favorite attractions will return, the founder said — including the real-ice skating rink, candy cane maze, train ride, desert carousel and 90-foot fun slide. Families will also find bounce houses, Elf Archery, face painting and balloon entertainment, along with appearances by the Grinch. Additionally, Santa Claus will be in attendance as well for photo opportunities.In addition to the new activities, the Desert Lights Festival will also include a new food vendor which will prepare the items fresh on-site — including chocolate-covered strawberries, funnel cakes and cinnamon-sugar almonds. Interested parties may rent a private igloo for various kinds of celebrations and occasions and there will also be a gift shop which will feature handmade and customizable ornaments among its selections.Before founding the Desert Lights Festival, Kunz said that she struggled to identify activities that she, her husband and young children could participate in together for the holidays — noting a dead zone spanning a 40-mile radius from her home. Originally a blogger, she said her content focused primarily on highlighting “cool stuff happening west of the I-17.”“There was nothing to share for Christmas,” she said. “There’s lots of stuff to see for fall and other occasions, but there wasn’t anything for Christmas and I love Christmas — who doesn’t love Christmas?”She added that the event has been a joint undertaking from the start, built on the couple’s shared ideas and personal investment. While her husband works with a team to build and physically put the event together, Kunz oversees all on-site operations during the event.“It’s just him and I,” the founder said.Compared to the first season the event ran, Kunz said the festival has grown to be about four times its original size, with 1.5 million lights and over 150 illuminated trees. It has also managed to cast a wider net, attracting visitors from out of state.Kunz said she and her husband also hope to eventually purchase land where they can establish a permanent home for the festival. While the event has continued to expand at its current location, she said owning their own property would give them greater flexibility to develop new attractions and potentially offer experiences beyond the holiday season.For Kunz, the festival has become an opportunity to share her love of Christmas with thousands of families each year. What began as a way to create holiday memories for her own children has grown into something much greater.“We really do provide magic,” she said. “It’s like being Santa Claus just on a bigger scale. Previously I was Santa Claus to my children, but now I’m Santa Claus to tens of hundreds of thousands of people. We can’t wait to see you.”</div></body>

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When Shanelle Kunz and her husband set out to create the Desert Lights Festival in 2022, they did so with a desire to give families a fun, holiday outing option closer to home in Waddell. The inaugural event drew 50,000 attendees — and continues to grow every year. “We...

Desert Lights Festival returns bigger, brighter

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When Shanelle Kunz and her husband set out to create the Desert Lights Festival in 2022, they did so with a desire to give families a fun, holiday outing o

Desert Lights Festival returns bigger, brighter

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