The holidays are right around the corner, and that means it's time for New Hampshire Motor Speedway to trade in the checkered flags for two million twinkly lights during the Gift of Lights presented by Eastern Propane and Oil. The eighth annual event kicks off fundraising for the local community spreading holiday cheer for 32 days from Friday, Nov. 23 and through Monday, Dec. 31 (be sure to check the schedule for days of operation).
The 2.5-mile drive-thru light show has become a holiday tradition for families, featuring a s'mores pit, $5.00 pictures with Santa Claus and visitors can even meet the speedway’s mascot Milo the Moose.
"We love watching families create memories and traditions at New Hampshire Motor Speedway," said David McGrath, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "But, the real holiday magic is seeing our fans come together to not only celebrate the holiday season, but to help those in need in our community through the fundraising opportunities that benefit Speedway Children’s Charities New Hampshire Chapter, the Loudon Firefighters Association and the Loudon Food Pantry during 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’"
The fundraising begins immediately at the front gate. For a $2.00 discount, visitors can bring three or more non-perishable canned goods for donation to the Loudon Food Pantry. Since the event first started in 2011, food and monetary donations have allowed New Hampshire Motor Speedway to contribute over 85,000 pounds of food to the Loudon Food Pantry providing an estimated 70,000 meals during the holiday and winter months.
Additionally, a portion of all per car load admissions proceeds will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities New Hampshire Chapter, the speedway’s official charity which has distributed $1.7 million locally. Yule Light Up the Night, a 1.5-mile run with Millennium Running, will give visitors a unique view of the lights on Dec. 10 and will also benefit NH SCC (Gift of Lights will have a delayed opening for the run).
The Loudon Firefighters Association will host a s’mores pit on Fridays and Saturdays with proceeds supporting the Loudon Firefighters Association. Last year, $2,400 was raised and used to help purchase a universal terrain vehicle to help with forest fires and rescues in the town.
Visitors can also participate in special theme nights each Wednesday to get in the holiday spirit and save $2.00 off admission at the gate. Theme nights include Pajama Night (Nov. 28), Military Night (Dec. 5), Sports Night (Dec. 12) and Ugly Sweater Nights (Dec. 19 and 20).
The Gift of Lights presented by Eastern Propane and Oil is open 4:30 - 9:00 p.m., and admission is $20.00 per car Nov. 23 - Dec. 14 and $25 per car Dec. 15 – 31. Be sure to check the schedule for days of operation when planning your trip.
For ticket information for events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including the upcoming Gift of Lights, Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, visit the speedway website at www.NHMS.com or call Fan Relations at (603) 783-4931.
