As they have done for the past 24 years, volunteers from IBEW Local 48 helped get The Grotto ready for its annual Christmas Festival of Lights. Electricians mount panels and assemble temporary power boxes that supply power to more than half a million lights and fiberoptic and animated displays in a walk-through depiction of the story of the birth of Christ. More than 50,000 people attend each year.
“IBEW Local 48 has been absolutely great over the 24 years we’ve done this, and they’ve been involved every year,” said event manager Peter Mott. “They play a very critical role. A number of electricians have stepped up to be leaders of the process, and they come back every year. I love their ‘can-do’ attitude, and they have a great spirit. There is usually a lot of laughter. They don’t look at obstacles as problems; they see challenges and opportunities.”
The Festival of Lights is open nightly through Dec. 30 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. General admission is $8; $4 for kids under 12 . Canned food donations also are being collected. The Grotto is located at NE 85th and Sandy Blvd, Portland. For more information, go to www.thegrotto.org/christmas.
