SJSU Engineers Revitalize Iconic Holiday Display
San Jose’s beloved Christmas in the Park is set to sparkle brighter this holiday season, thanks to a dedicated team of San Jose State University engineering students. They’ve brought a cherished display back to life, ensuring smiles for all at Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
“Penguin Flight School” Takes Flight Anew
For years, the whimsical “Penguin Flight School” display, featuring plush penguins descending on mini parachutes, was a highlight of Christmas in the Park. However, time and wear had taken their toll, sidelining the carousel for several seasons. This year, it returns, completely reimagined by SJSU seniors Derek Do, Cesar Jair Romero Callejas, Daniel Jimenez Hernandez, Mark Bennett, and Zachary McGee.
Working tirelessly since the beginning of the year for their Senior Design Class, this talented group replaced the worn plush figures with new, custom-built fiberglass penguins. The biggest innovation? These new recruits can now flap their wings as they make their descent, adding a dynamic and enchanting element to the classic exhibit. The students sourced parts online, utilized 3D printing, and designed for long-term maintenance and sustainability.
From Classroom Project to Community Joy
Keith Peffer, Christmas in the Park Program Manager, praised the students’ ingenuity. “It’s really neat to see the different iterations and problem-solving these guys have been doing, figuring out what works and what’s going to cause problems,” Peffer noted. This successful collaboration has already sparked discussions for an even grander partnership next year, potentially involving multiple SJSU departments, including marketing and design, to create an entirely new, all-encompassing display.
Christmas in the Park: A Season of Renewed Partnerships
Beyond the “Penguin Flight School,” Christmas in the Park is fostering a spirit of community engagement. Executive Director Ted Lopez highlighted a new five-year sponsorship with Broadway San Jose and a partnership with ArtHouse Studio, which will showcase student artwork in digital displays. Future plans also include team-building initiatives like candlemaking and creating children’s toys from wood scraps.
Mark Your Calendars for Holiday Magic
Installation of the holiday display at Plaza de Cesar Chavez begins this week, with the grand opening and tree-lighting ceremony scheduled for Friday, November 28th. Additionally, tickets are available for Blinky’s Drive Thru Light Show at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, opening November 21st. More information and tickets can be found at www.christmasinthepark.com.
Spotlight on Local Heroes & Events
- Running for a Cause: San Jose’s Amanda Rawson is set to run the New York Marathon, fundraising for the Ali Forney Center, which supports LGBTQ youth facing homelessness.
- Honoring Community Leaders: Barbara and Bill Heil received Bellarmine College Prep’s President’s Award for their support of the school and the Tech Interactive, sponsoring a global expansion of the Tech Challenge. This year’s award was crafted by Bellarmine’s Maker Lab students: Diego Vasquez, Dev Thakkar, and Jai Thakkar.
- Country Christmas Elegance: Valle Monte League hosts “Boots & Bling, A Country Christmas” on December 5th at the Santa Clara Convention Center, featuring a brunch and gala with raffled designer trees. Proceeds benefit Caminar’s Family & Children Services and Hearts & Minds Activity Center. Visit www.vallemonte.org for tickets.
Penguin Flight School: Then vs. Now
| Feature | Original Display | Revamped by SJSU Engineers |
|---|---|---|
| Penguin Figures | Stuffed plush toys | Durable fiberglass figures |
| Mechanism | Canvas parachutes | Animatronic with flapping wings |
| Condition | Showed signs of wear and tear, retired temporarily | Built from scratch, designed for sustainability |
| Engagement | Whimsical descent | Dynamic, interactive movement |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Christmas in the Park open?
The opening and tree-lighting ceremony is on Friday, November 28th, at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. - What is the “Penguin Flight School” display?
It’s a revitalized classic exhibit at Christmas in the Park, now featuring new fiberglass penguins with flapping wings, engineered by SJSU students. - How can I learn more about Christmas in the Park?
Visit www.christmasinthepark.com for details on the event and Blinky’s Drive Thru Light Show. - Who were the San Jose State students involved in the “Penguin Flight School” project?
Derek Do, Cesar Jair Romero Callejas, Daniel Jimenez Hernandez, Mark Bennett, and Zachary McGee.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic created by local talent and support the festive traditions that make San Jose special this holiday season!
Penguin Flight School Flies Anew Thanks To SJSU
