Holiday Lights achieves remarkable success | Events

Pinellas County’s Holiday Lights in the Gardens, sponsored by the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation, recently completed its 11th anniversary and attendance numbers show the 2011 exhibition far exceeded expectations. During the 38 days of Holiday Lights, more than 60,000 people visited displays throughout the gardens – nearly 18,000 more than in 2010.

The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation paid for the lights event and accepted donations throughout the event. More than 100 volunteers participated in collecting donations totaling $96,000, exceeding 2010’s totals by more than $28,000. Proceeds are used to pay for the light installation, displays and other event expenses.

The profits will be used to maintain the Florida Botanical Gardens year-round and Master Gardeners and other volunteers work continuously to replace plants and add new garden areas.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens transformed the Florida Botanical Gardens into a holiday wonderland with more than 500,000 twinkling, environmentally friendly LED lights. Two well-attended associated events were the Florida Botanical Garden foundation’s plant sale on Dec. 11 and the New Year’s Eve dog parade. Additionally, a total of 41 entertainment acts performed at different times throughout the event, adding to the festivities. Plans are already under way for the 2012 Holiday Lights in the Gardens.

A total of over 4,000 volunteer hours, including performers and event teams, worked to make this a noteworthy family celebration.

The Florida Botanical Gardens display formal gardens, scenic landscapes and natural habitats that unfold across 150 acres in the heart of Pinellas County. More than 25 gardens and display areas showcase flora, fauna and natural resources to delight nature enthusiasts. Some of the gardens offer tropical plants, roses, fruits, herbs, hibiscus, bromeliads and more.

The Botanical Bounty gift shop, located in the welcome center, sells souvenirs and gifts with a horticultural flair. The store is open Monday through Friday starting at 10 a.m. The gardens are open every day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and admission is free during regular hours.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.