Col. Bobby Miller

For The Daily News

The primary fundraiser for Bogalusa’s Christmas in the Park is now underway.

Only 150 raffle tickets at $100 each are sold, with the lucky ticket holder winning $5,000.

Proceeds of the annual sale are used to purchase new lighting displays or to replace obsolete or worn out items. Except for donations received from individuals, corporate sponsors and gate sales receipts, the annual raffle ticket sale is the only fundraiser held as no operational funds are received from the city or state.

This year’s drawing will be held on July 12 at noon at the Washington Economic Development Foundation office located at 524 Georgia Ave. in Bogalusa when the Christmas in the Park Commission holds its monthly meeting. The winner does not need to be present and will be immediately notified by telephone.

For those who do not win the cash prize offered, the stub of the ticket can be used as two season passes for the 2016 Christmas in the Park display.

The annual Christmas in the Park event will open as scheduled Thanksgiving night for the 23rd year through Christmas night. However, its exact location — either at Cassidy Park or Goodyear Park — depends on the recovery of Cassidy Park, which sustained major damage in the March 11 flood.

Raffle tickets may be purchased from Christmas in the Park Committee members or by calling Shirley Thompson at 985-735-7565, Col. Bobby Miller at 985-750-8134 or through Kay Kay Varnado at the mayor’s office at Bogalusa City Hall. That number is 985-732-6200 ext. 313.

Attending Bogalusa’s Christmas in the Park with its many major displays and millions of lights is now a well-loved family tradition. It celebrates the magic of Christmas as individuals and families stroll through Bogalusa’s forested park to enjoy the spectacular show of lights and animated figures, warming up to the Yule Log or enjoying a cup of hot chocolate from the deli.

Santa Claus also visits the park each night to hear the children’s Christmas list. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience for the young and old alike.

Col. Bobby Miller is the chairman of the Christmas in the Park committee.