Layton flips on its holiday lights, hay rides

Layton city flipped on the switch for about 750,000 lights at Commons Park recently, ushering in the time when thousands of local residents wander through the illuminated Christmas haven either on foot, by car or by hayride.

This year the lights include a new little polar bear and several lighted trees at the park, 437 N. Wasatch Drive. The city also upgraded its underground electrical system which now allows it to light in front of the park's amphitheater.

Also, this year the city is teaming up with a nearby hamburger store, the Burger Stop, and the Wasatch Rods and Customs car club to offer hayrides for patrons. The Burger Stop and the car club have offered hayrides for several years, but Dave Thomas, Layton city recreation supervisor said the insurance costs for the rides were getting too expensive for the car club.

The car club sponsors the rides, Burger Stop provides the meeting location, and this year the city will provide the vehicles, drivers and liability insurance for the rides.

"The city felt it was a good thing and they didn't want it to die for that reason," Thomas said adding that the rides generate a lot of money for two different charities. "We could step in there pretty easy, and it's our lights that they are going through."

The hayrides start at Burger Stop, 323 E. Gentile St., and run Friday and Saturday nights until Dec. 17. The cost is $2 for adults and $1 for youths ages 5-12. Children younger than 5 are free. The rides will also run Wednesday nights for special or large groups, people can make reservations by calling 479-9079. The proceeds from the rides go to the Safe Harbor women's shelter in Kaysville and the Ogden Rescue Mission.

People can admire the lights while cruising on the hayrides or when the weather is cold, they can journey through the display in their vehicles. Thomas said people should bring a blanket if they plan on going for a hayride.

Dave Price, Layton City parks superintendent, said the city also encourages people to walk through the lighted area. He said the city prides itself on being able to offer the lights to local residents with no admission charges attached.

Price said the city spends $5,500 each year replacing lights and purchasing new lights and equipment for the annual holiday light tradition. Park employees start working on replacing and repairing the lights and lighted figures Jan. 2 each year and most of the work is done during the three winter months.