‘Winter Gleam’ illuminates Oaks Amusement Park

INCLUDES OPENING NIGHT VIDEO | Here’s a brand-new family activity, with lights, color – and Santa Claus, too – right here in East Portland …

This new animated light arch is the ‘front door’ to a world of wonder throughout the Holidays, at historic Oaks Amusement Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

For the first time since it opened in 1905, nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park is presenting a holiday fantasy world lit by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways. It’s called “Winter Gleam”.

What’s it like? Take a brief video tour of this new, fascinating family attraction:

While most of the amusement rides are lit up for this, they’re not operating, except for the historic Herschell–Spillman ‘Noah’s Ark’ Carousel, and the famous, now Christmas-themed, historic miniature Oaks Park Train, rides which are included at this ticketed attraction.

Happily moving from their “scary” Hallowe’en to bring us to this “Sweet” Holiday production, it’s Estelle Fulmor of Vendetta Productions.

“Although our production company is best known for our signature Hallowe’en-themed event, Scaregrounds PDX, we work with others to put on different production events throughout the year,” pointed out the lady behind the Holiday lights, Estelle Fulmor of Vendetta Productions LLC.

“With Winter Gleam being our first Holiday-themed event, one might say we’ve officially shifted from ‘spooky’, to ‘jolly’ – and all within the span of just a few weeks,” acknowledged Fulmor.

Former longtime East Portland residents David Asula and Susan Asula say they’ve come back to the neighborhood for a visit with Santa Claus during Winter Gleam, at The Oaks.

“We’ve been toying with the idea of producing a Christmas event for the last five years — and that’s how long it took to execute the planning, and build out this project,” Fulmor told East Portland News.

“Throughout the park, we’ve created brilliant light tunnels, animated lights on Christmas Trees – and, yes, Santa Claus!,” she enthused.

In an animated light tunnel, this family stops to take a selfie of the group.

Available for purchase are several hot food and beverage selections, as well as ciders and beers for the grown-ups. “Yeti” Mini-Golf, carnival games, and roller skating are also offered, but are sold separately.

“We hope people go away with the feeling that they’ve experienced the ‘magic of Christmas’ wherein families can enjoy the Holiday together,” Fuller said.

Dressed for the season, operating the Holiday-themed Herschell–Spillman ‘Noah’s Ark’ Carousel, here’s Oaks Amusement Park Rides Manager Celeste Walker.

Everyone 6 and older must have a ticket to enter the park during this special December event; and the parking fee is enforced. For more information, for driving directions, and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

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