Located on one-and-a-half acres, The Magical Forest at Las Vegas' Opportunity Village is a breathtaking Winter Wonderland! Running from Thanksgiving Day through the end of December, the Magical Forest will generates warm fuzzy feelings to all visitors who marvel at the millions of lights on display. 

The Magical Forest began in 1992, and eventually developed as a major fund raiser for Opportunity Village which now has over 250,000 visitors during the holidays.

Generous and caring volunteers make the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village a special and heartwarming holiday treat, with all proceeds going to programs and services for those with intellectual disabilities.

Using 3-million lights and 15-foot candy canes, kids of all ages can thrill to the Forest Express Trains and the Enchanted Carousel. There is live music, tasty treats, whimsical displays, decorated trees, alpine slides and fun with Santa Claus. One can even climb into one of the service vehicles on display like fire trucks or ambulances that are parked by the cocoa machines.

Every year new holiday attractions add to the magical atmosphere, making this the place to go during the winter.

70-90 volunteers are needed each night to ensure the park's festivities run smoothly. Yours truly volunteered and really enjoyed it. I worked the train. I helped the young ones and their families get seated and closed the gates on the train cars (did not pinch any fingers). I also was a crossing guard out at the train tracks. Although the cold can sometimes be quite biting, supervisors make frequent trips to your post with complimentary hot chocolate.

The old-time Carousel Park with a colorful carousel and lights is indeed magnificent to not only look at, but amazing to control the twinkly holiday lights!  I had the honor of gleefully running this sparkly carousel. I sat in this little booth watching the carousel go round and round and was emotionally choked up.  Kids were smiling and having fun, parents were smiling as they stood next to their children.  Little Drummer Boy was playing from the PA system.  My eyes could not help but swell up at watching this holiday goodness.  For several hours I forgot all about the economy, the housing market and all the bad news that is slung at me through the year.

If you would like to volunteer for the Magical Forest, simply show up around 4:15 PM in the gym (Where they have food).  Positions will be announced, simply raise your hand for which one you would like.  I recommend the train and the carousel.

Happy holidays!

When: Now through January 3rd, 2009
Where: Opportunity Village
Time: 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Sun. - Thurs.; 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Cost: $9.50 for Adults (12 & older); $7.50 for Children (Ages 3-11);

Tickets and Passports can be purchased at any area CVS/pharmacy location.
Tickets and Passports are also available at all area Memphis Championship Barbecue Locations.

Opportunity Village
6300 W. Oakey Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
702.880.4080
Link: http://www.opportunityvillage.org/content/?c=25

Tags: Magical Forest Las Vegas Opportunity Village Christmas Lights Carousel Ride

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