Bernard Kearse WITH Dr. Guy Riekeman, the president of Life Atlanta University. Life Atlanta is home to the famous “Lights of Life� Christmas lights exhibition.

The 17th annual Lights of Life opened Monday, Nov. 20 and continues through Dec. 31. In the past, the Lights of Life has attracted up to one million people. This year, the Lights of Life will be similar to previous shows with hundreds of displays and animations.

The Lights of Life will be on display daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Santa will be available for photos each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, however donations of $5 per car and $10 per bus, are strongly encouraged. A CD will also be distributed free of charge to visitors, featuring musical selections from area high schools choral and instrumental groups, as well as local professional groups.

On Nov. 20 which was the Opening Night of the 2006 Lights of Life, Andy Freeman of Smyrna, Ga., was the lucky contestant from the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s online contest which ran from Nov. 1-8 who won the opportunity to “flip the switch� that lit up Barclay Circle for the 2006 season. The lighting festivities began at 6 p.m. at the Tree House on campus. Life University students sold hot dogs, chips, coffee, hot chocolate and hot cider; and afforded children a variety of activities to participate in. Santa made a special appearance during the event, allowing children the opportunity to submit their wish lists early and have pictures taken with him.

The Lights of Life is made possible by Win Williams, owner of Holiday Lights in Atlanta, and is sponsored by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Directions to the campus can be found at www.life.edu.