Holiday of Lights brought back by popular demand
SEARCY — The Holiday of Lights in Searcy is one of those events that garners gasps, oohs and aahs from spectators. It is an event that gets the community involved and ushers residents into the holiday season.
The Holiday of Lights, presented by the Searcy Regional Economic Development Corp., in partnership with the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce and the city of Searcy, kicked off Tuesday with a lighting ceremony at Berryhill Park, followed by the lighting of the historic White County Courthouse and Square, the centerpieces for the Holiday of Lights. Plus, there are still many upcoming activities sure to draw crowds and get people in the holiday spirit.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the original Holiday of Lights with many of the same people involved in its revitalization. Three years ago, the talks began on getting the event going again after a lapse of several years because of a lack of funding, said Stuart Dalrymple of the SREDC, which has played a major role in revving up the popular happening.
“We used to have a Holiday of Lights, but due to city finances and deterioration of old equipment, it faded out,” Searcy Mayor David Morris said. After several years of no lights at all, with the implementation of the eight-year tax plan, the city was able to use “a very, very minute amount” to bring back the lights, he said.
The vision of Berryhill Park when lit is “absolutely breathtaking,” Morris said.
“Personally, and selfishly, I will be by my 7-year-old granddaughter’s, Madison’s, side to see the joy it brings into her face,” Morris said prior to the lighting ceremony. “I use her as an example of countless thousands of children. The excitement on children’s faces, to see the lights flipped on, will mean the world. That will be the example of faces — not only hers, but others like her.”
“For years, we have lit the courthouse regardless [of any other lighting],” White County Judge Michael Lincoln said.
“I am thankful for the effort of many members of the city to get the Holiday of Lights back. It was dismal last year when there were no lights. The SREDC has made an effort to get the city lit and put money in, with lots of volunteers and getting things done,” he said.
“Right now, there is so much bad news in the world [as a result of the terrorist attacks in Paris]. The Holiday of Lights will bring a sense of togetherness and make all thankful for family and our country, as well as taking in ‘the new sparkles’ locally,” Lincoln said.
“We got a bit of a late start this year, but I hope people will see how wonderful it is and come see what the excitement is about,” Dalrymple said. “Next year, I hope we will be flooded with volunteers throughout the community with new ideas on how we can keep moving forward with the Holiday of Lights. … Everyone is really starting to feel the magnitude of what this year will be and the number of visitors it will bring into Searcy, and we are all excited to share the spirit of Christmas with the entire state.
“Most importantly, the Holiday of Lights is about our community uniting to strive toward excellence,” Dalrymple
said. “We should be progressive, invest in our economy and build a community where our children and grandchildren can raise their families like we have. Projects like this will add to the tax base and cost taxpayers less in the future through building a healthy economy. This year represents the infancy of the Holiday of Lights with a bright future ahead.”
Upcoming activities include The Living Nativity at the First Assembly of God, 101 S. Benton St., which will be held Friday through Dec. 6 and Dec. 11-13. Friday hours are 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday hours are 5:30-9:30 p.m., and Sunday hours are 5:308:30 p.m. This presentation takes visitors to an authentic village circa the birth of Jesus Christ, complete with animals and people in period costumes. For more information, call (501) 268-3289 or visit www.livenativity.com.
The city’s Christmas parade, always a favorite for children and adults alike, will begin at 6 p.m Saturday, winding from Spring Park to Berryhill Park. The float competition is sponsored by Unity Health and will be judged according to lights and music, which are required, and creativity and overall impact.
Other special events during the Holiday of Lights include the following:
• A Christmas Story at Center on the Square at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19; and at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
• The Pioneer Village Christmas Open House is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
• A Christmas craft fair will be held Saturday at the Carmichael Community Center.
• At 6 p.m. Monday, Harding University will have its lighting ceremony on the university’s front lawn.
• The Women for Harding Tour of Homes will be held from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 6.
• People, Places and Holidays Around the World may be viewed Dec. 6 through January at the Searcy Art Gallery, with an artist’s reception slated for 2-4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Searcy Art Gallery/The Black House.
• The Miracle Worker will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12 at the Ulrey Performing Arts Center at Harding University.
• The Christmas Ring and Sing Cantata, organ recital and Christmas bells will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at First United Methodist Church.
• The Pied Pipers Christmas Show will be presented at 11 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Ulrey Performing Arts Center.
• The Christmas Cantata “The Ornament” will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at Trinity Baptist Church.
The Searcy Holiday of Lights is a celebration of all the festivities, attractions, and shopping and dining destinations Searcy offers throughout the holiday season, according to the Holiday of Events brochure.
From the illuminated “Greetings” signs in parks and other holiday symbols, to the understated Christmas “wreaths” encircling downtown’s lamp posts — a giant welcome is being extended to all to come experience the winter-wonderland atmosphere and hospitality offered by Searcy and White County.