Third Annual Holiday Express Rolls into Raleigh

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RALEIGH, N.C. (November 20, 2009)—Join the Crabtree Rotary Club and Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department for the third annual Holiday Express December 10-13, 2009. From 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. nightly, children and adults alike will enjoy this holiday experience as Pullen Park is festively decorated with thousands of lights and transformed into a winter wonderland. Tickets are $7 per person, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Clarence E. Lightner Leadership Endowment Fund.

Guests will experience the Santa Express Train, an adventure through acres of holiday magic ending with a meeting with Santa himself at the North Pole. The evening will also feature carousel rides, holiday entertainment, concessions and more. More than 16,000 guests have attended the Holiday Express in its first two years.

The Holiday Express is the final event held at Pullen Park before it closes for a restoration project by the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department. The park is expected to reopen by spring 2011.

“We are extremely excited to bring the Holiday Express to life for a third year,” says Jeffrey Hobart, Holiday Express committee chair. “It’s a wonderful experience for the Rotary to continue its mission and supports a fantastic cause.”

For the second consecutive year, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Clarence E. Lightner Leadership Endowment Fund. The endowment provides leadership development programs that have a positive impact on youth throughout the Triangle area.

“We are thankful for the continued efforts of the Crabtree Rotary,” says Martha Waters, Clarence E. Lightner Endowment board member. “Their support helps us continue to develop and challenge young people to embrace leadership responsibilities in their communities.”

To purchase tickets in advance, visit http://tinyurl.com/holidayexpress2009 or call the Pullen Park ticket office at 919.831.6468.

Event parking is located off Western Boulevard at the Dorthea Dix soccer fields on Hunt Drive. Both parking and shuttle services are free to the public and will be available daily from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Shuttles will also be able to accommodate ADA and stroller needs.

About the Crabtree Rotary Club:
The Crabtree Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International and its local District 7710. Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and to help build goodwill and peace in the world. Visit www.rotary7710.org for more information.

About the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department:
The purpose of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department is to actively encourage, provide, promote and protect quality leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities, facilities and environments that are essential for the enhancement of the lives of our citizens. For more information, visit www.parks.raleighnc.gov or call 919.831.6640.

About the Clarence E. Lightner Leadership Endowment Fund:
The Clarence E. Lightner Leadership Endowment Fund was established to provide leadership development programs that will have a positive impact on youth throughout the region. By working with foundations, corporations, government entities, faith organizations, neighborhood leaders and schools, the Lightner Fund will help stimulate an active multiracial cadre of young people to help address social problems in communities. This becomes the true living legacy of Clarence Lightner. Visit www.lightnerfund.org for more information.
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