BY KAREN BOSSICK
Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls will be bathed in a sea of colorful lights for four nights May 5-8.
This year’s Shoshone Falls After Dark show will feature newer, more capable models of LED lights, which allows for better color coverage, efficiency and ability to easily program color changes. The show will feature the artistry of professional lighting artist David Henry who will immerse visitors in lights, music and the Shoshone Falls.
This year’s show also will feature more lights so that the park becomes part of the show. Visitors will have the opportunity to enter the park after hours and view the falls and illuminating lights at their leisure from about 9 to 11 p.m. on the evenings of May 5 through 8.
Go to https://visitsouthidaho.com/Shoshone-falls-after-dark for advance vehicle passes, light sneak peeks and other information. Timed vehicle passes, which cost $20, are issued in 30-minute blocks to keep crowding down.
The show is the collaboration of Idaho Central Credit Union, Southern Idaho Tourism, Idaho Power and the City of Twin Falls.
"Shoshone Falls is one of Idaho's most beloved places," said Michael Watson, chief marketing officer at Idaho Central Credit union. "Professionally illuminating the falls after hours is an opportunity we are thrilled to continue to be a part of."
Melissa Barry, executive director of Southern Idaho Tourism, concurred: "The lights offer a new way to see Shoshone Falls, and the reception last year was amazing. All but one evening sold out last year and we hope people will be excited to see it again this year."
This year’s drought made the timing and even lighting the falls uncertain, Barry said. Eventually, Idaho Power was able to commit its waters to four nights.
"We've been working with officials to target the best possible flows," she said. "After several conversations and deep consideration, Idaho Power has most generously offered to expand scenic flows into the evening hours."
Idaho Power hopes it can release more water for even bigger flows the last two weeks of May, said Brad Bowling, communications officer for Idaho Power.
Shoshone Falls, known as the “Niagara of the West,” stands 212 feet tall—36 feet taller than Niagara Falls. The light show is a new way to view the falls, as is the Lights and Lasers Festival in the fall. The 2022 fall festival will be the fifth.