About 5,000 people have visited Fantasy Lights – the light show by the lake – since the annual event opened on Nov. 24.

The beautiful 2 1/4-mile drive is held nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2012 at Spanaway County Park, 14905 Gus G Bresemann Blvd. in Spanaway, just west of 152nd/Military Road and SR 7 (Pacific Ave).

New to the Northwest’s largest drive-through light display is a Gingerbread Playground with gingerbread people jumping ropes, swinging on swings and going up and down on a seesaw. Also, there have been more sightings of aliens near the space ship (but those are unconfirmed, so don’t tell the government alien hunters…).

The layout of the park is different each year with new displays and color themes. The long tunnel of lights in the center of the park is a big hit this year.

In its 16th year, Fantasy Lights is a South Sound tradition for many families and a first-time experience for military families who are new to the area.

The fee per car is $13; $28 for a mini bus (16-24 passenger); and $45 per bus (25+ passengers).  For more information, visit www.piercecountywa.org/parks or call 253-798-3330 for driving directions and discount tickets.

-from a press release