This will be the 24th year that Cassidy Park in Bogalusa will be magically transformed with colored lights, animated figures, music and more, into “Christmas in the Park.”

Thousands of people from Bogalusa and beyond are drawn to Christmas in the Park every year, and the experience has become a family tradition for many. In fact, many families attend repeatedly to fill themselves up with the Christmas spirit by being outside amidst nature and walking or riding through more than a million colored lights.

The attraction may be further enhanced by sipping hot chocolate in the glow of the burning Yule Log, or by having the little ones pay a visit to Santa Claus.

Now people have the opportunity to support the event, via the Christmas in July raffle.

The premiere and only fundraiser for Christmas in the Park holiday display of lights is now under way. The event is a raffle for $5,000. Tickets cost $100 each, and only 150 will be sold.

The drawing will take place at noon on July 6 at the Washington Economic Development Foundation office. The winner does not need to be present, and will be contacted immediately by phone.

Even those who do not win the cash prize will be winners. The stub of all raffle tickets will be good for two 2017 season passes to Christmas in the Park, which runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

No funding is received from the city or the state, so the annual raffle provides CIPs only funding besides donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and gate receipts.

Raffle tickets may be purchased from CIP commission members, or by calling Shirley Thompson at WEDF at 985-735-7565, Colonel Bobby Miller at 985-750-8134, or Kay Kay Varnado in the mayor’s office at City Hall at 985-732-6200, ext. 313.

The CIP Commission volunteers are excited about the continuing growth of the holiday display, and they encourage everyone to buy a raffle ticket.