Archive for December 2016

Arctic Ape’s Guide to “Safari Through Windcrest”

Windcrest Light Up is one of the reasons I moved here. This year, “Safari Through Windcrest” will draw lots of my animal friends to Windcrest. I have seen polar bears, lions, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, giraffes, monkeys, snowmen, Yeti, penguins, little white dogs with big noses, elephants, birds, and tigers. Try to count how many animals you see and which of them have relatives at the San Antonio Zoo or Primarily Primates. You must also watch closely for Santa. There is no missing his house as it always provides a magnificent display for the Christmas Season.

This is the 58th year of Windcrest Light Up, presented and managed by the Windcrest Women’s Club. Each year, these ladies perform stellar jobs, managing the show from selecting the theme to managing the awards dinner. The theme makes the displays vary so that visitors do not see the same thing every year. Windcrest Light Up is featured on local TV stations, national news programs and has been reported as having been seen from earth orbits. The official opening is 10th of December and most of the Safari continues through New Year’s Eve.

Fifty-eight years ago, the Windcrest founders decided that lighting the homes for Christmas was a great tradition and every new resident was given a starter strand of lights. In typical Texas manner, there soon developed a Windcrest style of decorating that was certainly not understated. (Windcrest Newsletter, Dec 2011)

Residents and organizations can register to be judged in one of 9 categories.

Before you start your Safari, please pick up one of the maps, with the winners clearly marked. They are available in front of the Fire Station or at one of the satellite locations around Windcrest. The Windcrest Fire Fighter’s Association accepts donations to help cover the costs of printing the maps, and to raise money for equipment and training. Please add generously to the Boot when you pick up your map.

I heard there are monkeys in Windcrest. Please drive carefully, so you do not accidently run over one of my cousins. They do not always wear reflective clothing and their movements are unpredictable.

I highly recommend avoiding the weekends, because Friday and Saturday become very busy as thousands of our friends and neighbors enjoy the lights.

Please do not speed in Windcrest (20 means 20 and stop means Stop). We do not want any accidents and you would rather keep your money for presents. If you stop to enjoy a display, or there is a long line of slow moving cars, please use your parking lights, to enhance the experience. Remember to turn headlights back on, before moving on.

Unless a clear photo spot is provided, please stay on the streets or sidewalks, and do not walk on grass or planting beds. Even though most of the lights and decorations are protected by GFI circuits, we do not want anyone to have an electrifying experience, during their visit to Windcrest.

After or during your Safari, you can warm up, at the Arctic Ape, watch the snow falling outside his window, gaze at the Northern Lights, and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate, cappuccino, or coffee. Or… you can pretend you’re warming up with a nice warm brownie, with a yummy frozen yogurt, Custard, or Sorbet, and top it with hot fudge. Warm on the top and bottom makes the cool treat OK. I’m easy to find on the map, just look for the First-Place Business marker.

Enjoy your “Safari Through Windcrest.”