Magical Forest joined by several holiday displays

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 | 8:29 a.m.

Offering everything warm and fuzzy about Christmas, the Magical Forest has become a holiday anchor, a community tradition embraced by repeat visitors and those who have helped build the magic over the years.

Handmade winter displays and holiday musings reflect the handiwork of local groups and businesses. Giant candy canes, crafts, gingerbread homes, train rides, carols and hot apple cider add to its appeal.

In and around the trees are 3 million lights. This year it snows in some areas of the forest and a parade marches through at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

In its 12th year, the Magical Forest has become a hometown, made-from-scratch Disneyland that draws 175,000 visitors annually.

Linda Smith, Opportunity Village's chief development officer, is delighted with its success.

"We came up with this idea because we could see Las Vegas was bereft of places to go," Smith said. "There's so many people who want something that reminds them of home. I've been here since the first day, watched toddlers grow up. It's such a family tradition for so many people.

"The first year, I remember the forest sort of blowing away. But companies have grown with their displays and there's a bit of competition in the forest," Smith continued. "They've made these ornaments and created these wonderful displays. And we still have schools. We still have church groups."

The forest also serves as a reference point for other groups attempting to begin a holiday tradition.

On the other side of the valley, Lake Las Vegas is testing its first Boat Parade of Lights with more than a dozen boats parading past lakeside attractions.

Similar to the Magical Forest, Jordan says he'd like next year to have charities and businesses sponsor boats.

"We really see it as a new holiday tradition for families, in addition to Opportunity Village, which my family goes to every year," said Tracy Jordan, owner of Gondola Adventures, Inc., who initiated the Lake Las Vegas effort.

Ethel M. Chocolate Factory is celebrating its 10th year of decking the botanical garden in holiday lights. At Sunset Park, the Gift of Lights, a drive-through holiday display orchestrated by event company Meehan & Associates, is in its third year.

"It's working," Brenda Meehan said. "It's becoming a tradition. We listen to everybody as we grow. We have grown from 3 million bulbs to 4 million bulbs. We have more than 120 displays. Everybody loves the tunnel. So we decided to add a new one at the beginning."

Last year the Gift of Lights attracted 28,000 cars and more than 110,000 visitors. As with the Magical Forest, sponsors contribute displays, which keeps the costs down and prices affordable.

A popular highlight in the park is the 200-foot tunnel of lights that cars drive through at the end. This year a 100-foot tunnel was added to the beginning. More arches, including a star arch and pink unicorn arch, were created for cars to drive under.

More scenes were added to established displays and more filler installed -- peeping elves, miniature candy canes and 3-D light poles -- to add continuity.

Donations for Goodwill are accepted at the entrance and provide $2 off of admission. Partial proceeds of the event go to the Clark County Scholarship fund.

At the Magical Forest, which serves as a fund-raiser for not-for-profit Opportunity Village (providing opportunities to 600 intellectually disabled Southern Nevadans), Smith doesn't mind the company.

"It makes a better community," Smith said. "The more choices people have, it makes a better place to live."