Metroparks’ Holidays at the Manor House open Dec. 7-15

        For nearly as long as Wildwood Preserve has been a public park, volunteers have decorated the 30,000-square-foot Manor House for the holidays. This year’s Holidays at the Manor House opens Saturday, Dec. 7, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Admission is free.
        This fall is the 50th anniversary of the election where Lucas County voters approved the purchase of a private estate in West Toledo to establish Wildwood as the ninth Metropark. The stately Manor House – the most prominent of several estate buildings on the grounds – is the centerpiece of the park and the venue for memorable public and private events, from musical recitals to weddings.
        In recognition of the 50th anniversary, the grand foyer of the Manor House is decorated this year in a birthday theme celebrating Wildwood over the past five decades.
        Volunteers first decorated the house for the holidays in December 1976 as a thank you to the community that supported the acquisition of the property.
        Originally named Homespun Holidays, that first event attracted more than 10,000 visitors in eight days. Hours were extended and a bus shuttled people from the Woolco store parking lot at Central Avenue and Holland-Sylvania Road to accommodate the crowds.
        Every year since then, Holidays at the Manor House has continued to attract visitors to view more than 30 displays created by individuals, families, businesses and non-profit organization. Decorators are selected from proposals months in advance.
        The event has also grown to include carriage rides (which have sold out for this year) and a s’more shack on the two weekends of Holidays at the Manor House, as well as holiday lights on the grounds.
        One constant has been the large model train display by the Swanton Area Railroad and Model Club. The elaborate display now occupies nearby Metroparks Hall.
        A Mitten Tree, decorated with visitors’ donations of child-size hats, scarves and mittens, is another consistent feature. Visitors can bring their donations with them when they tour the house, and the clothing will be distributed to Toledo Public Schools.
        For more information visit metroparkstoledo.com/holidays.