Qualchan Will Get Huge Yule Display Winter Figures, 90,000 Lights Planned

Wed., Aug. 17, 1994

By Alison Boggs alisonb@spokesman.com (509) 459-5314

Huge metal figures illuminated by 90,000 lights will replace golfers and caddies when a Spokane golf course closes for the season in November.

Through optical illusions created by light, a colorful alpine skier will descend the steep slope on the course’s 13th hole. A sea serpent will raise and lower its tail from the pond on the 11th.

On the fairway of 15, a Christmas Toyland will be spread out, complete with a jack-in-the-box, a rocking horse and toy soldiers. Reindeer will jump, and Santa will wave.

The figures will range in size from 6 to 30 feet tall.

It’s all part of Spokane Winter Lights, a 1.2-mile-long light display planned at The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course five miles south of the city on U.S. Highway 195.

Spectators, at $5 a carload, can cruise through the course and see the 27 illuminated figures. The exhibit will be the largest of its kind in Eastern Washington, said representatives of the Spokane Park and Recreation Foundation, which is sponsoring the event.

The equipment was purchased by the Foundation, a non-profit community organization. All profits will go toward park and recreation programs.

Organizers are hoping for 20,000 cars to come through in the event’s first year. Organizers will enlist volunteer help from community groups around town to sell tickets and staff the course in exchange for a share of the proceeds, said Mike Stone, one of Winter Lights’ coordinators.

In future years, they’ll seek corporate sponsors, Stone said.

The display will begin Nov. 25 and continue through Jan. 1, 1995. It will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Qualchan was chosen because of its scenic drive and controlled entrance gate. Other sites considered were Riverfront Park, which was deemed too “landlocked,” and Manito Park, which is too wide open, Stone said.

A Christmas Village at the Pro Shop will feature gifts, food, entertainment, a photo area and Santa.

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