We all know what an enchanting place the Columbus Zoo becomes at night between November 22nd and January 10th, but did you ever wonder who brings this holiday magic to life? AFSCME Local 2950 members are the hidden "elves" behind the scenes who make Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo a truly unforgettable experience.
AFSCME Ohio Council 8 got a backstage pass as we spent the morning with union grounds maintenance staff as they worked on various projects that help make Wildlights the spectacular event that it is. Reid Hacker, who has been with the Columbus Zoo for over
nineteen years, is celebrating his 19th Wildlights project. Reid and his co-workers help assemble the arch that welcomes visitors to the Polar Exhibit. The lighted arch, stretching nearly a quarter of a mile, is illuminated by almost 30,000 twinkling ice-blue
lights. Reid uses a lift to wrap the lights around the reconstructed arch— a massive undertaking that requires a level of precision that is both technical and artistic.
As you enter the Zoo, a towering Christmas tree immediately catches your eye. AFSCME's own Rachel Kuhl decorates this showpiece with lights and ornaments resembling zoo animals, bells, and other festive designs. She takes great pride in creating a true work of art that sets the stage for the enchanting experience ahead.
Children of all ages look forward to the Twelve Days of Christmas train ride; this year is no exception. Alexis Vance-Townsend, AFSCME Local 2950's Secretary-Treasurer, and a member of the zoo’s grounds maintenance team, watches over the displays featured in the train ride. She uses fiberglass and wire to illuminate the animals, allowing them to stay twinkly and magical throughout the weeks-long event. Alexis, with the help of the Columbus Zoo
welders, has even had a hand in designing some of these creations. Her favorite is the Zebra, but she is proud of all twelve pieces. "It's a joy when you walk through at night, and they look like they are moving. I know the zoo animals are resting or inside, but seeing these wire sculptures look alive or dancing in the light is still fun. I get as excited as the participants when I take the train ride.”
With nearly three million lights keeping the zoo bright and merry during Wildlights, ensuring everything runs smoothly is no small task. Drew Landes, a member of the grounds maintenance team and our primary tour guide for the day, is deeply involved in the event’s
logistics. He tirelessly inspects electrical outlets, extension cords, and the light strands that decorate every surface of the zoo, guaranteeing that everything stays lit without interruption. When asked how he feels about working on this beloved project, Drew said, "I love Christmas—I own thirteen Christmas trees. This project starts early, almost in the summer, well before anyone even thinks about the holidays. I can't think about how pretty it all looks when we are
in the thick of it. I have to make sure it is technically all put together and perfect. But when I can finally take a step back and walk through it one night, I can't help but feel so proud. The team I get to work with loves doing this just as much as I do, and it makes it all worthwhile. It is such a great project to be a part of."
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo is a highlight of the holiday season, and we are incredibly proud of all our AFSCME Local 2950 members and the Zoo employees and volunteers who work so hard to make this magical event possible.
