It’s time once again to ring in the holiday season in Renton with the official lighting of the Ivar’s Clam Lights tonight at Gene Coulon Park.

The annual event fills the park with light sculptures and is a holiday tradition in the Renton area that regularly draw thousands of sepctators every year. Centered at Ivar’s, Kidd Valley, and the water walk at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, the overall decorated paved trail path is a flat walkable loop approximately one mile in total distance.

This year’s event, which includes the “Parade of Boats” and the Dickens Carolers gets started at 6:15 p.m. with the official lighting of the lights by Mayor Denis Law scheduled for 7 p.m.

The schedule ofor tonight’s event is:

• 6:15 – 8 p.m. – Photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Sleigh and strolling characters (bring your camera)

• 7 p.m. – Welcome and Lighting by Mayor Denis Law and sponsors Ivar’s and PSE

• 7:30 p.m. – Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats”

• 8-8:20 p.m. – Argosy Christmas Ship with the Dickens Carolers

Ivar’s Clam Lights is free of charge and there is free parking at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The lights run nightly 5 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 1.