New sights await at Holiday Lights
| Monday, Nov 23 2009 09:02 PM
Last Updated Monday, Nov 23 2009 10:05 PM
Seventh annual Holiday Lights at CALM
When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 to 30
Where: CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway
Admission: Adults, $12; seniors and children ages 13 to 17, $10; children ages 3 to 12, $6
Information: 322-5200 or 872-2256
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Alex Horvath / The Californian Ovidia Lopez attaches rope lights to one of the last Holiday Lights at CALM. Lopez has decorated 95% of all the rope light decorations for display at CALM this year that opens to the public this Saturday.
Given the current hubbub about a rise in PG&E rates, we wondered if CALM might be tempted to cut back on its dazzling displays for this year's Holiday Lights when it opens on Saturday.
We sought the answer by asking Lana Fain, the zoo's executive director, who responded in a voice that sounded as if she were astonished that anyone would dare to think of such a thing.
"Oh, no -- oh, no," Fain said. "If anything, it's even bigger -- that's what we try to do each year, make it bigger and better."
As for the electric bill, no worries there either. CALM took care of that item some time ago by installing a separate source of power.
"We run everything on generators," Fain explained, "and a lot of the diesel (fuel) we use to run them is donated by our sponsors."
One new thing this year, among a host of others -- a sparkling 20-foot high snowman near the train station, for instance -- is the kind of lightbulbs being used.
"We're using LED lights," Fain said. "They are more striking and so bright, and the hours of light they provide are a lot longer."
Holiday Lights at CALM, California Living Museum, has become a seasonal tradition for Kern County families. It began as a simpler, but still very complex, attraction that Josh Barnett, then in his teens, set up in the front yard of his family's home in Haggin Oaks. He continued to expand it and within a few years, CALM recognized its value and arrangements were made to put on what has become a truly spectacular annual show at the zoo on Alfred Harrell Highway, northeast of Bakersfield.
Barnett now has his own company, Lightasmic, and is still the mastermind behind the hundreds of animated displays. Each is accompanied by music and sound effects and can be found throughout the grounds of the zoo. Innovative Concert Lighting is also involved in the installation.
Visitors will notice a number of new attractions in this year's edition, Fain said, adding that many of the ideas for new displays are suggested by members of the CALM Foundation board.
"We have a mariachi display this year," Fain said, "and when you see the herd of elephants in the Congo area, you'll hear them trumpeting."
These elephants aren't real, of course. The zoo contains only injured and abandoned animals that are native to California. The present animal population is approximately 250.
The roof of the reptile house will serve as the launching pad for a fireworks display during the evening. Incidentally, the reptile exhibit is the only one open for viewing. All the other animals will be safely tucked away for the night. As Fain says, "the safety and well-being of the animals is always our first priority."
Also new this year is an ocean of aquatic animals including dolphins, flying fish, whales, octopus and pelicans.
As usual, there'll be the scenes depicting Kern County landmarks -- many are installed along the route of the train, the Candy Cane Express, which you can ride for free.
A word to the wise, especially if you plan to board the train: bundle up in a warm jacket; wearing gloves is a good idea too. CALM is situated in a hilly area in relatively open country not far from the Kern River. It can get pretty cold out there in December.
But at the end of the train ride you can take the chill out of your bones with a cup of hot chocolate, available for purchase at a booth near the station, or hop onto a horse for a ride on the brilliantly lit merry-go-round near the front gate.
Parking is free and each family that buys a ticket to Holiday Lights will receive two passes to come back and visit again. Proceeds from the show benefit the nonprofit CALM Foundation, providing funding for developing new and exciting animal exhibits at the zoo which is open all year long except for certain holidays.
