Jackson vows bigger holiday light display in city park

The Jackson Community Outreach Board will host an even larger holiday light display in the city park than last year, beginning Nov. 25.

"It's going to look awesome," said board treasurer Janice Lumsden. "We are going to be able to build on what we did last year."

Being a free event in a public space, it isn't clear how many people toured last year's Holiday Extravaganza. But Lumsden said the response the board received was more than encouraging.

"Most everybody we've approached so far about being a sponsor has been really excited about the project," she said.

The light display is funded entirely through donations Lumsden said have come from people, families and businesses in amounts ranging from $75 to $2,000.

"We are lucky to live in such a community where people are willing to be a part of such events," she said. "We are just so excited to flip that switch."

The "Flip the Switch" event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving. Last year's "Flip the Switch" experienced slight problems because of heavy rain, but hundreds gathered for it.

"They ended up having to turn the lights on a little bit early last year because of that, but they've got those problems solved this year, so it should be fine," she said. "This year's 'Flip the Switch' will be rain or shine, and we've already had our rain, so we're hoping to have our shine this year."

In addition to introducing the sponsors and having a "mystery guest" on hand to do the switch-flipping, the event also will feature wagon rides, crafts and food along the display route.

Those who write letters to Santa at the "Flip the Switch" event can meet him and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 10 at the city park as well. "Meet Santa" will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include train rides and, if the weather cooperates, duck races in Hubble Creek.

"We're going to have rubber ducks for sale at $5 each or six for $25 during the 'Flip the Switch' and 'Meet Santa' events," Lumsden said. "And then at the conclusion of 'Meet Santa,' we'll hopefully be able to race them."

She said her hope is the Nov. 25 event can be a family-oriented alternative to typical Black Friday activities.

"We think it gives people a chance to get out and make memories as a family, and I think it's unique because most displays are put on by a business or individuals, so by the time they get this large, there's some sort of fee involved, but this is free," she said.

Organizers will put up the display next week, and it will continue to run through New Year's. Lumsden said more information can be found on the Jackson Holiday Extravaganza page on Facebook.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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