Short on Workers, Albany's Holiday Lights May Cancel Season

It's been speculated for months that following this season, Capital Holiday Lights in the Park won't be returning to Albany's Washington Park. And while the long-term fate of one of the area's longest-running and most beloved annual holiday displays continue to be a point of contention between the City of Albany and the Albany PAL, its immediate future appears grimmer and grimmer by the hour.

I'm a resident of the city of Albany live close to Albany's Washington Park. It's no secret that over the years, I've become a strong advocate of keeping the lights where they've been for 25 plus years, despite the whining and complaining by local residents who say the popularity of the attraction creates too much of a logjam near the entrance to the park.

While advocates and proponents of Capital Lights in the Park continue to battle, the Albany Police Athletic League says they're way behind when it comes to staffing for this year's event, and time is running out. They started a heavy push to recruit workers on Thursday, and that will continue today and tomorrow as well.

Applications are available at the PAL office 844 Madison Ave. in Albany. Bring your government-issued ID, Social Security Card, and be prepared to be hired at the time of your interview. We are accepting applications today and tomorrow 9 am-5 pm, and Saturday 9:30 am-12 pm.

According to Lenny Ricchiuti from the Albany PAL, the work totals between 32 and 40 hours a week, and it starts on Monday, October 18th.

"The work is outdoor work so you’ll need appropriate outdoor clothing, hat, gloves, and boots. Staff generally work in teams of 6 or 8 persons setting up the various displays around the park. Individuals need to be able to lift 50 lbs. but carry displays in groups of 2 or 3 people, teamwork and attention to the individual assigned task is important when erecting the displays." - Albany Police Athletic League

Ricciuti said that staff who work all of their assigned shifts will receive a $500 bonus to end the season. The position pays $16.00 per hour.