‘Festival of Lights’ begins what organizers hope is a new local Christmas tradition
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn.–The lights are up for the holidays, just in time for families to make plans for their Christmas adventures.
The ‘Festival of Lights’ is the beginning of a new tradition at Pugh Borne Park in northeast Madison County. Their goal is to bring cheer to families in the community for the holidays.
“We want to develop this into a tourism thing for other surrounding counties to bring people in to Madison County and the Jackson area to say, spend some money and see the Christmas lights, eat dinner and of course benefit five charities every year,” said Matthew Martin, Executive Director for Madison County Parks and Recreation.
The cost is $10 per vehicle.
“Half of the money goes to charity. Half the money goes to more park upgrades but it is all 100 percent profit going back into our community,” Martin said.
They are also using this event to help families who are less fortunate, so visitors are encouraged to contribute non perishable food items.
“If anybody has canned food items they want to drop off we will be supporting them. Because RIFA, at this time of year I believe, there’s a lot of families out there that need extra food for the holidays,” Martin explained.
All the light displays have sponsorship signs and as of now they have four sponsors. They’re looking for churches, banks, hospitals, schools and more to participate in growing this festival.
“This is our first night ever. We did a teaser last year at the court house with 17 displays. As you can see in the background, we’re up to about 40. Next year we’ll have 80 to 100. It’s just going to be, the sky is the limit from here on,” Martin said.
The ‘Festival of Lights’ is open every night from 5:30 to 9:30 in the evenings except Christmas Eve and continues through January 3.
If your business or organization would like to become a sponsor, and have a sign in front of a light display, call Matt at (731) 988-3850.
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