PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — People bundled up in their cars to attend the first night of this year's annual Winter Wonderland event at Portland International Raceway.
The drive-through Holiday light show is considered the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. It also serves as a fundraising event for a local charity, the Sunshine Division, feeding families in need.
"We do this every year and it's great, every year. Nothing like it!" said Dexter Berge.
Slow-going cars, lights off, cruise casually at the raceway to view the hundreds of displays with more than a million lights.
"It doesn't matter if it's raining, or if it's clear and cold like it is tonight, but it's just a wonderful time," said Rae Berge. "We get some hot chocolate and some popcorn for in the car."
The 32nd annual Winter Wonderland is expected to draw in 100,000 visitors along its two-mile stretch of light displays, including new installments like the 16-foot ice princess and field of penguins.
All of the proceeds for the event, which runs through the end of December, go toward Sunshine Division's hunger relief programs for the Portland area.
"It's pretty great being involved in this, basically because how I know it's going to a good organization and it's kind of fun being a part of the biggest light show in the northwest," said Kevin Blair, the on-site manager for the event.
Blair said it has taken about two months to set it all up.
Drivers told KOIN 6 News they're delighted with the show and keep coming back every holiday season to keep the tradition alive.
"We got the lights up at the house today and the Christmas tree, and take it to the finish line with the drive tonight here at the park," said Rae Berge.
Most of the dates for the event, spanning this weekend and the entire month of December, are drive-through only. However, there are also a handful of non-car events, including one where you can attend on a bike and another where you can walk with your dog.
The event will be open 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. More events are scheduled every single day next month. Information about tickets, special nights, dates and prices can be found on the Winter Wonderland website.
