Union-Made Tradition Brings Festive Fun to Madison
Holiday Fantasy in Lights runs nightly through December 31 at Madison’s Olin Park, 1156 Olin Court. Lights on from dusk until dawn.
A 35-year holiday tradition is union-made in Madison. Together with the National Electrical Contractors Association, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 159 creates holiday magic by sponsoring and creating the Holiday Fantasy in Lights display in Olin Park.
Thousands of lights, 50 plus displays, dozens of IBEW Local 159 apprentices, members and retirees, truckloads of equipment and months of preparation all create the beloved festive outing. This year, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined IBEW Local 159 members in Madison during the behind-the-scenes setup of the light display. An IBEW member herself, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler together with Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale met with apprentices, talked about the power of having a union and a skilled trade, and even helped lend a hand to IBEW 159 apprentices, members, and retirees as they erected and set up the light displays around the park.
“The preparations for Holiday Fantasy in Lights begin in June every year,” said IBEW Local 159 Business Manager Mike Killian. “This is a team effort. It is a rewarding way for IBEW Local 159 retirees to donate their time and knowledge working on the project alongside apprentices who get to learn the ropes in a fun and festive way that also creates a deep sense of community and togetherness for our union.”
The skills, expertise, and time of IBEW Local 159 union members make the annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights come to life. The work begins over the summer months when IBEW Local 159 retirees weld, bend, fix and assembly the light displays. As the Wisconsin fall creeps in, IBEW members head to Olin Park where they begin the installation of the lights around the display area. IBEW Local 159 apprentices and retirees spend countless days working side by side pounding in stakes, checking bulbs, tightening wires, and laboring to erect and secure over 50 holiday light displays around Olin Park. Lifts are brought in to do the elevated work safely. Apprentices learn on the job and get firsthand experience working in the community.
“Every year I look forward to spending time with my IBEW 159 brothers and sisters and new IBEW 159 member apprentices setting up this beautiful and magical light display that brings such happiness and cheer to children and our community,” said Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Bloomingdale. “I have fond memories of bringing my kids to holiday light displays like this one and it takes a lot of time, effort and union-made skills behind the scenes to make the Holiday Fantasy in Lights such a success.”
From Santa Claus to Puff the Magic Dragon, Frosty the Snowman and more, the Holiday Fantasy in Lights is sure to include all your holiday-time favorites.
See the Union-Made 2024 Holiday Fantasy in Lights
November 9 – December 31
Olin Park, 1156 Olin Court, Madison WI
Lights are on from dusk until dawn every night.
Candy canes distributed nightly from 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Generations of Wisconsinites have come to enjoy this union-made holiday treat. The History of the Fantasy in Lights is one of togetherness and generosity. In 1989, contractors and the local union worked through a joint committee and brainstormed ways to use their skills to give back to the community. They came together around the idea of building coloring book character-like light displays for the holiday season and the Holiday Fantasy in Lights was born. What started as 10 light displays at Warner Park in 1989, has now grown into over 50 light displays at Olin Park.
Co-directors of the Holiday Fantasy in Lights IBEW Local 159 members Tom Lemens and Rich Nelson have worked hard once again to bring a spectacular light show for all to enjoy.
Union members are working in our communities every day – giving back, creating holiday joy, and ensuring safe experiences for the public. Come enjoy the free union-made, family-friendly 2024 Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park as you celebrate the holiday season.
Holiday Fantasy in Lights runs nightly at Madison’s Olin Park, November 9 through December 31, lights are on dusk until dawn. Free candy canes are handed out from 4:30 to 10:00 each night.
