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On-site holiday light shows will shine at five DNR destinations this month. Brief details for each are below and more can be learned about them, as well as other activities at DNR properties, at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.

Ouabache State Park in Bluffton hosts its 11th annual Wonderland of Lights nightly, Dec. 6–31, from 6 to 9 p.m., in its campground and throughout the park. The presentation features more than 40 light displays and a synchronized music and light show at the Civilian Conservation Corps fire tower. Cost is $5 per vehicle, cash or check only. 4930 IN-201, Bluffton.

Mounds State Park in Anderson hosts its fourth Nights of Lights celebration every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Nov. 30–Dec. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 60 light displays will be featured in the campground along with decorated buildings throughout the park. Cost is $10 per vehicle, cash and credit card accepted. 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson.

Lieber State Recreation Area in Cloverdale hosts its third Lieber Winter Lights celebration Dec. 6–8 and 13–15 from 6 to 9 p.m. Donations will be accepted for the drive through the light display in the park and campground. 1317 W Lieber Rd, Cloverdale.

Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell is holding a drive-through holiday lights event in its campground Dec. 6–7 from 6 to 9:45 p.m., the same weekend as its Holiday in the Village. Cost is $5, cash only, and guests can vote for the best-decorated site. The winner of the competition gets two nights of free camping at the park in 2025. 3333 IN-60 E, Mitchell.

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area in Vallonia hosts its third Christmas in the Campground on Dec. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event includes a drive-through Christmas display and holiday activities in the Forest Education Center, where guests can also vote for their favorite campsites. A $5 donation per car is recommended. 4345 S 275 W, Vallonia.

Proceeds from the events go to the individual parks’ Friends groups to fund park projects. Learn more about DNR Friends groups at on.IN.gov/INstateparksfriends.

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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, located at 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary of free unlimited soft drinks throughout the 2025 season. The park is launching an art contest for youth ages 5 to 12 to commemorate this milestone. Five winners will be selected by the Holiday World team, who will each receive two Season Passes for the 2025 season and inspire the artwork for Holiday World’s 2025 souvenir cups.

"25 years ago, I thought introducing free unlimited soft drinks was crazy,” said park President & CEO Matt Eckert. “It turned out to be a genius, creative idea that showed how passionate we are about delivering an exceptional Guest experience. We’re excited to invite our young fans to use their creativity with us now.”

The winning art will be showcased on Holiday World’s official website and their social media accounts. Entrants must be between the ages of 5 and 12 at the time of submission and use the official template found on the Holiday World Website. Parental or legal guardian consent is mandatory, and participants must be residents of Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, or Missouri. The final date to submit is January 6, 2025. More submission details and full contest rules can be found at HolidayWorld.com/cupdesign.

“Free unlimited soft drinks put Holiday World on the map 25 years ago,” adds Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Fourth-Generation Owner and Director of Communications. “My dad, Will Koch, was a brilliant visionary who dreamed it up. Even after a quarter of a century, people still can’t believe we really offer every Guest free soda, water, lemonade, and more!”

Holiday World's "Good Gravy!" Family Coaster has been nominated for Best New Theme Park Attraction in the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Voting ends at noon on Monday, December 23rd. Fans of America’s Graviest Coaster are encouraged to vote daily at: https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/44234/

For more information and to submit entries to the art contest, please visit HolidayWorld.com

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The Washington County 4-H Junior Leaders are hosting their annual Cheese Ball Fundraiser to help cover the costs of trips and activities for the upcoming year. This is a great opportunity to support the future leaders of our community while stocking up on a tasty snack for your holiday table.

Cheese Balls are just $8 each and come in three flavors: Plain, Parsley, and Pecan. Each cheese ball also contains chipped beef and spices.

Place your order by Tuesday, Dec. 10, and pick them up on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Washington County Extension Office, located at 806 Martinsburg Rd, Suite 104, Salem, IN 47167.

To order, call the Extension Office at 812-883-4601.

A portion of the sales will be used to support Washington County 4-H Jr. Leaders activities and programs. No endorsement of the product by 4-H is implied or intended.

Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

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Sheriff Brent Miller and the Washington County Deputies have organized a nonperishable food drive on December 8. This annual event is called, “Cram the Cruiser to Prevent Hunger this Christmas.” It will be held at two locations in Salem. The first of which being at the Jay C Food Store at 601 S Main St, and the second at the Salem Walmart at 1309 E Hackberry St.

The food drive will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all food collected will remain in Salem at the Washington County Food Bank.

This is the 4th year doing this annual collection, and it usually is very successful. In previous years, the Sheriff’s Department has collected between 3,500 to 5,500 items. One year, they even managed to fill six police cars.

For questions, please call the Washington County Sheriff's Department at (812) 883-5999. Help support our local food bank this year during the Holiday Season!