Dyck Arboretum of the Plains announces its 2021 Winter Luminary Walk, which will take place November 26 to 28 and December 3 to 5, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This outdoor holiday event provides a safe, fun way to gather with family and friends to enjoy the beauty of the prairie in winter.

After a one year hiatus on serving food and drink at the event, the local scout troop will serve hot beverages outdoors as a fundraiser and marshmallow roasting will return to the fire pits. Although no live flame luminaries will line the path, tribute luminaries to memorialize a lost loved one will be available by donation near the Visitor Center.

Our Prairie Pavilion “snow globe” stage will feature the following performers, each performing two 45 min sets at 6 and 7 p.m. each night: classical guitarist Howard Glanton on November 26, harpist RoJean Loucks on November 27, pianist Ken Rodgers on Nov 28 and December 3, violin/clarinet duo “Outside the Bach(s)” on December 4 and square dancers from the “Shoe Scuffers” of Hesston and “Circle 8” from Park City on December 5. Performers will be inside the Prairie Pavilion, with music projected outside through speakers. Visitors can watch performances from the covered patio.

In addition, creative, crafty individuals are invited to participate in “Wreath-o-rama,” a wreath decorating contest. All sizes of wreaths and all kinds of wreath materials will be accepted. However, wreaths will be judged on creativity and use of natural materials. Entries are due at the Prairie Pavilion on Nov. 23. Submissions will be displayed in the Prairie Pavilion during the Luminary Walk and winners will be announced on December 5. Prizes for an adult category (age 13+) and children’s category (ages 5-12) will include Dyck Arboretum memberships and gift cards. Contact LeAnn Clark at 620-345-6806 with questions.

All Luminary Walk attendees should observe guidelines for a safe event, which can be viewed at dyckarboretum.org/luminary-walk. Tickets are available online, in the gift shop or by calling the office in advance. Your ticket purchase and donations support the ongoing work of the arboretum, which seeks to cultivate transformative relationships between people and the land.

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, Kansas is a 29-acre arboretum owned by Hesston College.