Now Accepting
Executive Planning Board Inquiries!
The Executive Planning Board for the Holiday Lights at the Lake (HLL) consists of a team of dedicated and skilled community members – just like you! This board works together to organize, fund, and execute the Holiday Lights at the Lake event. Their duties include brainstorming innovative displays, planning event activities, securing sponsorships, coordinating volunteers, raising awareness for the event's beneficiary, The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson, spreading joy and unity in the community, and much more! If you're interested in joining this exciting opportunity, please reach out to us at holidaylightsatthelake@gmail.com. Let's create magical moments together soon!
Please contact us at holidaylightsatthelake@gmail.com to express interest or to shoot us your questions!
Volunteers
We couldn't do it without you!
“Cold hands, warm hearts” perfectly captures the spirit of volunteering at Holiday Lights at the Lake. Winter in Iowa brings its share of weather challenges, but last year's feedback shows that our volunteers often leave with a sense of warmth and joy! We are incredibly grateful to all who volunteered in 2023 and eagerly look forward to welcoming both new and returning volunteers for our 2024 event.
Due to the nature of the event, volunteer shifts can not be split. We know, bummer! But, have no fear, Away in an Airstream donates the use of their beautiful Airstream (appropriately named Bambi), which serves as a place for our volunteers to warm up, have a cup of hot chocolate,
and a bit of a rest when needed.
Types of Volunteers Needed
Build Week Volunteer
Help us create holiday magic for our community!
We are seeking 15 strong individuals daily between October 26th through October 30th to assist our professional build crew with tasks such as unloading displays off a semi, loading trucks, carrying displays, assembling frameworks, replacing or tightening bulbs, and electrifying and animating displays. Saturday and Sunday will involve heavier lifting, and we’ll be working from 8 AM to 5 PM each day, with a one-hour break. No special skills are needed; we’ll provide training with a smile and lunch each day. If you have gloves for carrying items or wire cutters, please bring them along!
If you’re able to help, please check the available slots below and sign up for the days that suit you. Holiday Lights at the Lake wouldn’t be possible without your generous time and support. Remember, Santa's watching, and we guarantee you’ll be on the "nice list" this year!
Nightly Event Volunteer
Please help us keep the magic going!
Nightly volunteer duties will include counting cars, helping with campground traffic, scanning tickets, handing out brochures and candy canes, monitoring the exit, and assisting with the flow of traffic outside the campground. All shifts require standing outside in the cold, so please be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes or boots. There can be cold and windy nights. Reflective vests will be available for all volunteers, but if you have bright colors or reflective outerwear, it is suggested to bring them along.
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Exceptions can be granted for students with written recommendations sent to holidaylightsvolunteer@gmail.com and permission from parents. Exceptions can also be made if students come with an adult chaperone. The student and adult chaperone would count as one.
Event Tear Down
Please help us pack away the magic for safe keeping until next year!
There are two phases of tear down this year-
1. January 2nd, 3rd and 13th will be removing guiding lights, signs, cords, and any other small tasks that can be completed before Winterland is on-site to help with the large displays. *This is no heavy lifting on these days.
2. January 14th, 15th, and 16th will be removing and storing the displays. Winterland and Holiday Lights at the Lake Committee Members will be on site to lead the group. Gloves for carrying items and a pair of wire cutters are ideal if you have them!
Please review times and available sign-up slots here:
Thank you!
Holiday Lights at the Lake 2023 Has Concluded
We had amazing weather for our event but mother nature had other things in mind when it came to tear-down! Thank you to everyone who took time to crawl through the cold and snow to help us remove the 2023 displays- once again proving that we have THE BEST volunteers EVER!
