OWASCO - Twinkle, twinkle - they could be stars, as Emerson Park's Holiday Lights, an elegant display of white lights along the seawall and among the trees, draws people in search of holiday cheer.

This display doesn't feature a single tree or moving scenery as some other lake displays do. Instead, it reflects the will of the community to continue a tradition.

Driving toward the lake on White Bridge Road, spectators notice lighted trees along the canal reflected in glassy waters. On the way to the pavilion, the Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum stands outlined in a colorful blast of light, marked by the rainbow outline of its front-yard tractor.

The drive into the park turns up tree after lighted tree, with one or two gold, green or red strands mingled in among the whites. It's possible to completely enjoy the display from the car, but those willing to brave the cold air have a treat in store.

A walk up to the pavilion porch brings out a whole ballet of lights. Out toward the lake, random designs line deciduous branches, twirling as perspective shifts along the walk. Suddenly surrounded by 50 swirling skaters, or dancers at the very least, the seeker of holiday spirit revels in the moment, with the help of his imagination.

The idea for an Emerson light display caught on about 10 years ago, when individual businesses paid for the lights. At one point McDonald's even donated Christmas displays from in front of its buildings.

At that time it cost $5 per car and drew about 50 cars a night. But it became increasingly difficult to get sponsors, and the exhibits began to deteriorate, Cayuga County Parks and Trails Director Gary Duckett said.

“Now taxpayers pay for everything,” he said.

After the displays were no longer suitable to view, the idea of just providing a nice holiday display on the lake took root. Now the park lights are kept on and more than 100 trees are decorated with white lights - a regular Winter Wonderland.

A crew of eight or nine inmates from the Cayuga County Jail, overseen by Sgt. Doug Butler, started early in November to get the decorating done. They finished on Monday, Dec. 1, although most of the lights were on display last Friday through Sunday.

The display is lighted between 5 and 9 p.m. LIghts are turned off during the week and promptly after 9 p.m. on weekends except for Christmas and New Year's Eve.

“They're also kept on if there's another event at the park,” Duckett said.

As it happened, on Friday night the raucous Christmas party of Lewis Springer, retired owner of Creative Electric, was in full swing at the pavilion, and the parking lot was packed. Still, the party outside stood in quiet contrast, yet festive in spirit.

Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net