The Willow Hill Lights Show has brought back its more than two million LED lights and 400 animated displays to Northbrook, and this holiday season officials have discovered that the display can appeal to more than the two-legged members of families who attend.
Doting dog owners dressed their pups in unwanted costume gear for festive photo ops on what was promoted as Willow Hill Howliday Lights on Nov. 25. The lights show continues through Jan. 4.
The canines got to experience the 2.5-mile festive, drive-through route of Willow Hill Lights. In its fifth year, it partners with Misericordia, a Chicago organization that supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In one car, Freddie, a 1-year-old male mixed breed dog from the western suburbs, wanted nothing to do with his red plaid Santa hat but was open to considering the complimentary pup cup of whipped cream from the concessions stand, despite being nervous at his first holiday light show.
Kent Knebelkamp of Northbrook, operator of Willow Hill amenities, gave Freddie and his family star treatment with a preview of the show before sunset.
“Everybody loves dogs,” Knebelkamp said, conversing while starting the two and a half mile drive through the show.
“Dogs are the best things in the world.”
Knebelkamp said many dogs love the lights so much that, “Oh my God, you’ll see dogs with their heads out of the roof.
“They’ve got the sun roof and the kids are holding them up and all the heads are out.”
Attractions to see on the lights show include Mount Rushmore, an orb experience, a section devoted to Jewish holidays, the 12 Days of Christmas, a patriotic section, tall trees, a rainbow tree section, a new Grinch section and more. A concessions trailer on the way in provides an onsite way to quell hunger.
Willow Hill lights uses six people to install and maintain the lights.
Nick Pagano of Glenview, of the Glenbrook South High Class of 2019, director of operations, said, “We’ve grown so much since we first started, we’ve like doubled (in lights) since then.”
Dog owner Pagano also added, “Bring your pups, we love them, they’re all good.”
Pagano said he loves his dog, “with my whole heart.”
Besides the Tuesday Furry Friends Night, there are special nights honoring veterans, first responders and local organizations.
For Furry Friends Night, $10 of every ticket benefited Border Tails Rescue of Northbrook.
“Border Tails Rescue is sincerely grateful to Willow Hills Golf Course for generously hosting a fundraising event through ticket sales to the light show,” said Tami Reding-Brubaker of Glenview.
“As the outreach coordinator for BTR, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for this partnership and for the community support that makes our work possible,” Reding-Brubaker said, adding Willow Hill’s support is, “helping us continue our mission to save and care for dogs in need.”
Knebelkamp said he hopes the power of light, empowered by Willow Hill Lights, inspires people this season. Residents of The Lodge of Northbrook, a senior community residence along Willow Hill, have a sparking view of the lights in their backyard.
“Enjoy the holidays, it’s about our Lord Jesus Christ, and let’s celebrate him throughout the holidays, remember what this is all about,” Knebelkamp said.
“And this is bringing joy to people that might need a little bit of a jumpstart over the holidays.”
Willow Hill Lights, at Willow Hill Golf Course, 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook, is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost $40 per car.
Find more information at willowhilllights.com.
