Community Corner
Zoolights Creates Family Memories Even While Busting With Visitors
Point Definace Zoo offers not only a great holiday display, but it continues to be a family tradition worth keeping.
I think everybody headed to Zoolights on Sunday — well, almost everybody.
A long-standing family tradition of mine has always included going to Zoolights since the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium started stringing holiday lights from what seems to be every corner of the zoo.
Sunday night offered clear skies, and I could not believe how many people were in the zoo and how far some of them parked and walked all to enjoy the festivities.
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Bundling up in warm clothes to stroll the sidewalks of the zoo is just one of many family traditions that I share with my children. We also receive new pajamas on Christmas Eve and let our wanderlust take over as we jump into our car to find the best decorated houses in University Place. Our house is at the top of the list.
These little memories or traditions are important. They not only give us something to do during the holiday break or supply us with great dinnertime stories, they bring our families together.
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I know some may be thinking that if you've seen the lights once, you've seen it all. It's not just about the display and how good it is. It's about family time.
Not to mention the zoo added new displays including a wolf howling at a lighted moon, and every year, there are more lights; well, at least it feels like it.
If half or even a third of the people that I saw at Zoolights on Sunday share my tradition of seeing lights at the zoo, there must be something said about tradition and the lights.
I will continue to take my family to the zoo for the light display. Not merely to gaze at the rainbow of colors or discuss with my husband what a typical Zoolight season power bill looks like, but because I know it's something we do as a family. Our children will remember us going as a family, taking time out from our busy life to have a little fun.
There is something about being able to see the famous Zoolight tree donning its green trunk and purple branches, the Narrows bridges with headlights and taillights, or having an opportunity to ride a camel or carousel creature. Every year we are still in awe.
Traditions are important and come in all shapes and forms.