Dakota County Parks

General Description

This year, Dakota County Parks has decided to move away from the ticketed Trails by Candlelight event model and will be trying out a new event that is more accessible and completely FREE to the community! In addition to the lit trails, pop-up programming such as guided hikes, stargazing, bonfires and food trucks will be available to add to the winter spectacle. 

Date & Time

Various dates/times per shift

Event Schedule

February 11 - Lantern install

February 13 - Lanterns on/event kickoff

Every Friday of event (4-5 p.m.) - Lanterns on

Every Monday of event (8-10 a.m.) - Lanterns off

March 30 - Lantern removal

Event Location

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

17100 Station Trail

Farmington, MN 55024

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lighting Support (Feb. 11 & 13) – take a walk through the beautiful trails and install/turn the lantern lights on (depending on your shift). All materials and instruction provided.
• Lantern Removal (March 30) - take a walk through the trails and remove lanterns. All materials and instruction provided. 

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16 years old or older to volunteer by yourself. All ages are welcome to help!

Time Commitment

2 - 3 hours per shift. Help out with as many shifts as you would like.

Activity Level

Moderate – May include walking short distances over relatively level terrain. Standing or sitting for the whole event is required with limited support. Activities will mostly occur in an area that is either a controlled setting such as an office space or uncontrolled setting such as outside in a park.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us