Public light displays open soon

Several local parks are decking out for the holidays this week with annual public light displays put up by individuals, organizations and businesses.

Cape County Park North and city parks in Jackson and Perryville, Mo., are where free, drive-through tours planned to last beyond the Christmas holiday are coming together.

Cape County Park has held its annual display since 1987. This year, the number of displays has grown to well more than 100 despite a new $20-per-spot charge the county has implemented as a way to cover the cost of electricity to run the displays.

County parks superintendent Bryan Sander said the charge hasn't deterred many entries -- only four people told him they wouldn't put up a display because of it. The annual cost to run the light display is between $3,000 and $3,500.

The lights at Cape County Park North are set to be turned on tonight and will be on for drive-through tours, which remain free, from dusk until 11 p.m. every evening through Dec. 31.

More information about the display can be obtained by calling the park office at 335-4146 or the county commission at 243-1052.

In Jackson, those who want to include displays at the city park for the "Lights of the Season" drive-through tour aren't charged a fee. Parks and recreation director Shane West Anderson said the city is accepting displays for the two-section tour, which is split by memorial and community displays. Jackson will turn on the lights Dec. 7 after the city's annual holiday parade. Anyone who would like to add a display to the tour can email swanderson@jacksonmo.org.

The city of Perryville is hosting a drive-through light display tour at the Perry Park Center. The tour, organized by the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce, will open Dec. 5.

There is a $20 charge to include a light display in the tour, according to chamber executive director Melissa Hemmann, although the fee has been lowered from $60 in years past. The money goes to the chamber of commerce, but Hemmann said the chamber doesn't want the tour to be a fundraiser -- she hopes the tour instead will grow because of the lower charge. So far 20 displays are included in the tour. There is room for up to 30 more, Hemmann said.

The lights at the park will be turned on Dec. 6 and every evening through Jan. 5. More information on the display is available by calling 573-547-6062.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

Cape County Park North, Cape Girardeau, MO