Making Spirits Bright
Arvig Donates $10,000 to Lights in the Pines Holiday Display
A popular holiday season lights display is returning to Perham for a second year, thanks in large part to a $10,000 donation from Arvig, the event’s newest local sponsor.
Lights in the Pines will be presented by Perham Boy Scouts Troop 321 in conjunction with Arvig. The winter event will once again illuminate Perham’s Pioneer Village during the 2023 holiday season, with Arvig’s donation covering the event’s current and future capital expenditures—including construction of the display tunnels and the electrical costs.
“Arvig is proud to support this special community event,” said Allen Arvig, CEO and President of Arvig. “We hope that this donation helps secure a bright future for Lights in the Pines and that it continues to grow and prosper in Perham for years to come.”
Lights in the Pines will be open to the public starting Nov. 24, and will remain open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Organizers are asking for a free-will donation to enter. All proceeds will go toward high adventure trips for the Scouts, including a planned excursion to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
This year, the event will feature 40 unique vendor-sponsored display areas, doubling last year’s total. Local groups, businesses or nonprofits are invited to sponsor their own display, but spots are limited. Each display will be connected by a string of tunnels lit up with Christmas lights. The public is invited to freely stroll the grounds, enjoy Christmas music and hot chocolate and visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and their workshop. The Clauses will be on-hand for photos, with treats and other goodies offered to attendees.
Lights in the Pines received strong support from the community this past year, with nearly 5,000 people in attendance. Scouts and their troop leaders are currently constructing the PVC tunnels and will again be on hand as volunteers during the event.
Chris Menz, one of the event’s organizers and a Troop 321 Scout leader, said he is looking forward to another successful 2023 season.
“We’re very grateful for Arvig’s generous support this year,” Menz said. “Having our infrastructure costs covered is huge; now we can focus on building great displays that everyone can come out and enjoy. With the continued support of the public, we’re hoping to build this event into a local tradition—something that families can enjoy during the holidays year after year.”
For the latest event updates, follow the Lights in the Pines page on Facebook.
About Arvig
Headquartered in Perham, Minnesota, Arvig is a local, employee-owned broadband and full-service telecommunications provider. Committed to delivering cutting-edge technology to customers throughout the region, Arvig provides residential and business internet, television, phone and security services. Additionally, Arvig provides a wide variety of business technology solutions. Visit arvig.com for additional information.
About Boy Scouts Troop 321
Boy Scouts Troop 321 is open to all children 10 to 17 and consists of about 19 members. Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the U.S. The organization teaches young people how to make ethical and moral choices and instills positive values through service activities, volunteerism and leadership.
