Myriad Botanical Gardens’ lights Go Green for the holidays
(November 24, 2008) - The thousands of sparkling lights that make up the Myriad Botanical Gardens' annual holiday light display are taking on a new hue this season - green! Thanks to a generous donation from sponsor Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), the Gardens has replaced the bulk of outdoor and indoor holiday lights with environmentally-friendly LED (light-emitting diode) lights.
The Myriad Gardens lost over 80% of its light display when last year’s December ice storm ravaged Oklahoma City. This year the lights are back on - and brighter than ever - with a dazzling array of new and different colors.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with OG&E’s support,” said Allan Storjohann, Myriad Botanical Gardens general manger. “The new LED lights are not only beautiful, but they will allow us to enhance our efforts to promote conservation and environmental responsibility.”
OG&E has regularly sponsored the Gardens’ annual lights display, which is a part of Oklahoma City’s “Downtown in December” festivities. When OG&E heard about the devastation to the Gardens’ light inventory after the ice storm, they stepped up almost immediately.
“The Myriad Gardens’ lights display is one of Oklahoma City’s premier holiday attractions,” said Brian Alford, OGE director corporate communications. “OG&E is proud to sponsor the Garden Lights and especially this year as we begin to introduce new energy saving initiatives to our customers and the community.”
New LED Technology
The lights’ new LED technology has many advantages over the old lights, providing an overall electric cost savings because of their efficiency in conducting electricity. LED lights produce more light per watt, use 10 times less energy than incandescent mini lights and 100 times less energy than standard bulbs. They also have a longer use life than standard incandescent, or even fluorescent bulbs, and are safer because they stay cool to the touch. Most importantly, however, they have a higher degree of shock resistance, which means they should fare well in Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather.
This year’s Garden Lights features multiple light displays throughout the outdoor grounds and inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Myriad Gardens staff and volunteers began stringing the lights in early November.
“We’re already getting comments from passersby on how much brighter the new lights are,” said Storjohann. “This year’s lights will truly be a spectacular experience for all.”
Welcoming Visitors Downtown
The OG&E Garden Lights will kick off Friday, November 28, as part of Downtown in December. The indoor and outdoor displays will continue through January 4.
Visitors to the Myriad Botanical Gardens are welcome to stroll through the outdoor lighting displays for free throughout December. As part of the Downtown in December events, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory will open its doors FREE to the public from 6-9 p.m. each Sunday throughout December, including November 30.
Regular admission to the Crystal Bridge is $6 per adult, $5 per senior and students (with ID), and $3 for children 12 and under. Discounted rates for groups of 20 or more are also available.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is located at 301 West Reno, between Hudson and Robinson. Regular hours of operation for the Crystal Bridge are Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. The Crystal Bridge is closed on Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving.
For more information about the Myriad Botanical Gardens, call (405) 297-3995, or visit online at www.myriadgardens.com.
