Lighting Up Our Community: Inside Topeka Zoo Lights | Cynthia McCarvel

We sat down with Cynthia McCarvel, Strategic Partnerships Director at the Topeka Zoo, to unpack how Zoo Lights grew from a winter idea into a citywide tradition. From 28 miles of LEDs to volunteer crews, soundscapes, igloos, and access programs, we trace the people and plans behind the glow.• role of strategic partnerships and community ties• why a small zoo is a strength for families• memberships and reciprocal discounts driving value• origins, growth, and yearly redesign of Zoo Lights• scope and logistics of power, LEDs, and frames• corporate and school volunteers wrapping trees and testing lights• in-kind support from electricians, lifts, and fabricators• themed music for holidays around the world• igloos, Santa’s Forest, and photo ops that invite sharing• promotions including Wild Wednesdays and Museums for All• rentals and concierge service for private nights• challenges like reindeer transport and permits• ticket prices, dates, and how to visitEveryone, go visit the Topeka Zoo Lights!________________________________________0:00 - Meet Cynthia And Her Role1:04 - How Sponsorships Power The Zoo3:30 - Why A Small Zoo Works Big5:15 - Membership Value And Regional Draw5:48 - Zoo Lights Origins And Impact8:10 - Community Partners And Igloos10:20 - The Scale Of The Lights12:05 - Power, Logistics, And Setup14:05 - Volunteers, Lifts, And Design Teams16:00 - Sound, Music, And Global Theme17:50 - Business Rentals And Annual Cycle19:20 - Planning Ahead And Topping Last Year21:00 - What’s Worked, What’s Hard: Reindeer22:40 - Santa’s Forest And Photo Ops25:10 - Social Buzz, Tunnels, And Stats26:40 - Local Favorites And Rapid Fire28:30 - Tickets, Access, And Promotions30:00 - Favorite Displays And Closing Invite_________________________________________Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KSWebsite -- https://topekainsider.com/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/Follow Your Hosts: 📱Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jdFor Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!