There certainly is any number of lighted displays around these days. From Winterfest in Ocean City to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in South Carolina people come and people go to see lighted displays during this time of year.
And why not? Parents used to, and some still do, pile everyone in the car to go to the “good” lighted neighborhoods. Those with the more elaborate decorating schemes win, of course, but allowances are often made for those neighborhoods who fancy volume over detail. At least that’s our experience, since your own mileage may vary.
And then there are the criteria upon which good displays are judges – colored vs. plain white or LED vs. traditional – all have their place of course. We’re not here to judge, just perhaps tossing a glimpse in to see how the other half lives.
But if you’re heading out to see organized lighted displays then you’re going to have to go with the hand you’re dealt, and these displays often do a fantastic job of meeting everyone’s needs. The aforementioned Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City is a good example, but that is something of a commute for those who live in and around Annapolis. For them, we suggest the Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point. Sure, Ocean City is about an hours’ drive from there, but sometimes you want something a little closer to home, don’t you?
And on this week it might well be welcome. The week after an extended holiday vacation can seem interminable, and anything done to alleviate what feels like months between actual weekends is welcome in our book, since we’re pretty much in the weekend business after all. Perhaps spending more time with the relatives seems like an extended prison sentence, we certainly don’t think so. If everyone is getting on each other’s last nerve perhaps piling eight deep into the Civic isn’t the best option, but if you’re looking at the four walls of your living room and they seem poised to attack; getting out is preferable to staying in.
Weather permitting and beginning at 5 p.m. (and lasting until 10) the Sandy Point State Park features 60-odd animated and stationary light displays. There is a cost of $14 per carload, but some local businesses and advertisements around town offer $2 off coupons. We’re not saying exactly where. It’s a treasure hunt! Plus the best part of getting a deal is finding a deal and usually we think we make things a bit too easy for you. P.S. Check the local dead tree editions of your favorite fish wrapper and see what they offer. It’s important to note that a Maryland Park Service Annual Passport does not cover admission to this event, so don’t even try it because lots of people already have and those same people have had the surprise of needing an admission fee.
So if you’re looking for something to do while whiling away this work week and feel some good quality family time is in order there is always the Sandy Point Lights on the Bay show. There is no searching random neighborhoods and no specific time or date to remember, just after 5 p.m. every day. Simple, clean and fun for everyone.
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