A light string includes a load comprising a trigger LED assembly and a lighting assembly connected in series with the trigger LED assembly, the lighting assembly comprising a plurality of series connected lamps comprising an LED; and a rectifier for converting a source of AC into DC which is supplied to the load. The trigger LED assembly is adapted to flash and cause the lamps to flash. In one embodiment the trigger LED assembly includes a trigger LED and a capacitor connected in parallel with the trigger LED. The trigger LED includes a first LED and a second LED. The cathode of the first LED is connected to the cathode of the second LED, the anode of the first LED is connected to the positive terminal of the capacitor, and the anode of the second LED is connected to the negative terminal of the capacitor respectively.