“Light and Learn with LAGCOE” at the 23rd Annual Oil Center Festival of Lights

Nov 21, 2016

This December, LAGCOE joins forces with the Oil Center Renaissance Association to add an educational, interactive dynamic to the Oil Center Renaissance Association (OCRA) 23rd annual Festival of Lights - "Light and Learn with LAGCOE."

“We want to bring positivity to local families during this tough economic time in our community,” said Kristin Bodin, OCRA Board President. “Light and Learn with LAGCOE introduces a new avenue to connecting education and entertainment in a festive environment. The Oil Center is very important to OCRA and LAGCOE, and we want our community to support and appreciate its history as much as we do.”

Children of all ages are invited to participate in age-appropriate, fun and festive activities, designed to introduce the next generation to the energy industry. Older children will be introduced to circuits and electricity by using a set of Christmas lights. Younger children will build and decorate small derrick ornaments out of popsicle sticks. This interactive area will teach children about derricks and their uses in the energy industry. Other activities include the LAGCOE Christmas Tree Corner, which will showcase a mechanical oilfield Christmas tree, decorated to look like a standard Christmas tree.

“Because education is at the heart of our purpose, LAGCOE is excited to participate in the Oil Center’s Festival of Light with Light and Learn with LAGCOE,” said Angela Cring, LAGCOE Executive Director. “With a variety of fun, educational activities centered on the energy industry, we know that these activities will surely educate and entertain.”

The Festival of Lights, held annually on the first Friday in December in the Oil Center, features children’s activities and crafts, photos with Santa, a horse and carriage ride, face painting, live musical entertainment, carnival games, a living nativity, and more. Many retail shops will be open during the festival for holiday shopping. The festival attracts thousands of locals to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in the historic Oil Center.

“The Oil Center began because of the oil industry. Participating in Festival of Lights held in Lafayette’s historic Oil Center is a great way to give back to the community, promote STEM education, bring attention to the rich history of the Oil Center, and continue to support the growth and development of the energy industry that has been so vital in the development of Lafayette,” said Angela Cring, LAGCOE Executive Director. “We look forward to welcoming families with and without ties to the energy industry to experience a fun family friendly festival, discover the uniqueness of the Oil Center and learn about the energy industry.”

The Festival of Lights will be held on Friday, December 2 from 5-9 pm in the Oil Center. Admission is free. For more information and to purchase family packs in advance, please visit www.theoilcenter.com

Lauren Rabalais | LAGCOE Marketing Coordinator