Shadrack's seeks wow factor
FRANKLIN TWP — Later this month, the Big Butler Fairgrounds will become a Christmas wonderland for people to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
On Nov. 20, the gates will open for the Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland, a light show that combines technology, lights and music with custom built and animated elements and LED lights. It will be on a 3-mile route through the fairgrounds.
The light show will be open through Jan. 3.
This is the first time the Shadrack's light show has come to Butler County and the Pittsburgh area. The company has shows in Asheville, N.C., Sevierville, Tenn., Greenville, S.C., Charlotte, N.C., and Birmingham, Ala.
“We always like to go to a new location because we want people to be wowed,” said Shannon Glover, general manager.
The Shadrack team began building the show early in October, and Glover said work is doing well.
“We have got most of our elements in place,” he said.
Glover said the crew hopes to start getting the networking, wiring and control boxes in place.
“We will see. Weather always plays a factor,” Glover said. “We have had really good weather thus far, so we will have to see how it all plays out.”
Glover said there are two portions to the show. When visitors come in, they will first go through a synchronized portion. The music is broadcast on the radio in the visitor's vehicle and is synchronized with the show.
The company also brought what it calls a display show, which is made up of large framed displays that are kind of like cartoons, Glover said.
“For this particular location, we've brought Santa's beach party,” he said.When people drive through, they will see displays of Santa Claus wake boarding, Rudolph wind surfing, elves parasailing behind a dune buggy and the reindeer playing tennis, Glover said.These displays range up to 30 feet tall and 100 feet long, Glover said.Glover said the company presents the show to celebrate the Christmas season.“It is an opportunity for families to forget about all of the shopping, all the running around and all of the hustle and bustle they get involved in sometimes during the holiday season and spend time together as a family,” Glover said.“It is satisfying to watch families go through and enjoy some quality family time together.”The show will be open from dusk to 10 p.m. daily, even on holidays, rain or shine, according to the company's website. It may be open later on the weekends.The show, which costs to visit, will include free entry to Santa's Village.For details, visit www.ShadrackChristmas.com or www.VisitButlerCounty.com.
