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Driving in a holiday wonderland
[Times photo 2000]
A wonderland of lights that stretches for a mile awaits travelers through Winterland at the University of South Florida in Tampa. |
By Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times,
published December 13, 2001
In two displays, "drive through'' takes on a special glow if you love holiday lights but hate to get out of your car to see them.
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Animated holiday scenes and thousands of twinkling lights are accessible without leaving the car at two drive-through displays, one at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in Pasco County and one at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Winterland, the milelong lights extravaganza at USF, almost didn't happen this year after it lost its corporate sponsor.
But the promoter decided to go ahead -- with some changes. The price went up to $20 a carload, regardless of how many people are in the car. (Buses are $1 per passenger.)
But the admission price now entitles patrons to unlimited rides on about 20 carnival rides. Santa is on site, too. Photos are free if you bring your own camera.
[Times photo: Thomas M. Goethe 2000]
A tunnel of lights is one of the glittering views to be seen from the comfort of your car at Winterland, the light display at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
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Winterland continues nightly through Jan. 6. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on USF's Tampa campus. The entrance is Spectrum Boulevard (off 30th Street and Bruce B. Downs). Tickets are available at the gate only.
For more information, call toll-free 1-800-788-9627.
The Wilderness Wonderland at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park begins Monday, and it's free.
The display, sponsored by Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department, includes lights, music and Santa Claus from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Dec. 22 at the park, 10500 Wilderness Park Road (off State Road 54), New Port Richey.
The event includes free ice skating from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 22, there's also a free snow slide along with the skating.
For more information, call (727) 861-3033.
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