GREENFIELD — Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Light Up the Fairgrounds” is returning for its fourth year this weekend at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

Based on Springfield’s Bright Nights, the drive-thru holiday lights showcase will be held for three weekends starting Friday. The event partners with local radio stations and serves as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter and the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

“The entire event is cost-neutral through sponsors,” said Michael Nelson, president of the Franklin County Agricultural Society that manages the Wisdom Way fairgrounds. “Literally every donation that’s made is 100% a donation to the charities. We split it all three ways.”

Nelson said organizers hope to raise $15,000, just as they did last year.

There will be about 30 displays, according to Nelson. As guests make their way through the fairgrounds, they can fill out a ballot indicating their favorite display. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

The $1,000 award was donated by Franklin First Federal Credit Union, he said.

Like last year, guests will also have the opportunity to view the lights from a horse-drawn wagon. Tickets for this must be reserved in advance at $12 per person at tinyurl.com/HorseDrawnWagon.

Though the event was originally a product of the COVID-19 pandemic — when many weren’t celebrating the holidays in the traditional way — Nelson said he plans to continue the tradition for many of the same reasons it began.

“We wanted to give something to the community during the holiday season,” he said. “Everybody loves holiday lights, everybody loves checking them out. During that particular year, when so many things were a challenge, this was a good way for us to bring some joy. There’s still so much joy that holiday lights bring.”

The icing on the cake, he said, is that it doubles as a great fundraiser for organizations in the community.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters does so much for the youth in our community and the dog shelter is an incredible asset,” Nelson said. “There are so many nonprofits that do wonderful things but these three came together during COVID and … we’re proud to continue to work together to bring this event to the community.”

The event runs 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 1 to Dec. 3, Dec. 8 to Dec. 10, and Dec. 15 and Dec. 16. Entry is $10 per vehicle. In the case of inclement weather, people should check the Franklin County Fairgrounds Facebook page for updates.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.