iLove It: Lighting Up Christmas Cheer

Lighting Up Christmas Cheer

by Cassie Johnson

If you’re anything like my husband, you love Christmas but hate the task of putting up Christmas lights. Stop wrestling those extension cords and enjoy the light displays in western Kentucky instead. If you want to brighten your holiday spirit without having to “personally check every bulb” (Christmas Vacation fans will understand), take a drive with your family for safe, social distance, Christmas fun.

Mike Miller Park

Located in Draffenville just off Highway 68, Mike Miller Park is home to the annual

Christmas in the Park light show. Presented by Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation and Marshall County Parks, this free drive-thru light display is open each night from 5-10pm, through Wednesday, December 30.

Don’t let the Grinch steal the holiday fun! Be sure to try and Spot the Grinch hidden in the park as you drive through. Post a picture to social media using #TheGrinchatMikeMiller to be entered to win prizes on weekly Friday prize drawings.

There is no cost to enjoy the lights, however monetary and/or canned good donations to benefit local nonprofit organizations are encouraged. This year, donations will go to Marshall County Exceptional Center, Marcella’s Kitchen, Marshall County Caring Needline, Special Olympics of Marshall County, Marshall County Rescue Squad, Hope Clinic, VFW Post 1084, Veterans Support Group, and Cub Scout/Boy Scout Troop 2484.

Grand Rivers

PATTI'S 1880 SETTLEMENT Grand Rivers

A must see to believe, The Festival of Lights kicks off the holiday season in Grand Rivers. ‘Oooh’ and ‘aaaah’ at over 1.5 million lights around the Patti’s 1880 Settlement, streets of Grand Rivers, Little Lake Park, and the storefronts of the Village Between the Lakes. Visitors can walk around the area, free of charge, nightly from 4-10pm. Due to COVID, please remember to be a socially distanced spectator. This is a self-paced night of fun, and does not require any donations.

CENTRAL PARK Murray

CENTRAL PARK Murray

Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year by heading to Murray. Between now and January 2, Central Park will be lit up nightly from 5-10pm courtesy of the Murray Bank Festival of Lights. While not required, visitors are encouraged to bring five canned goods as admission for each vehicle. These will be donated to the Murray Calloway Need Line and Soup for the Soul. Use #TMBFestivalOfLight #ChristmasInCentral #ThatsMyBank on social media.

Noble Park in Paducah

NOBLE PARK Paducah

Christmas in the Park, presented by Paducah Power System, is in full swing through December 31. The display is open 6-9pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 6-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Canned goods and monetary donations will benefit West Kentucky Allied Services, Paducah Cooperative Ministries, Family Service Society, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent De Paul. New this year, you can also donate online. Go to paducahpower.com and click on the Donation tab.

To really get you into the Christmas spirit, tune in to 94.7 on the radio and enjoy Christmas music while you coast through the park. COVID permitting, Santa will make one more appearance at Noble Park. Check the Paducah Power Facebook page for up to date information.

Help the Hungry during the Holidays

This year, families within our communities and across the country have taken on many extra hardships due to COVID-19. The organizations providing assistance to these families have also taken massive losses in the pandemic. Local food pantries and organizations depend on these donations to help those who need it most. On your next pickup order, add a few extra canned goods to your cart to help those in need. Donate a few dollars or non-perishable food items as you drive through the twinkle and sparkle of your community. Make these light displays a tradition for your family for years to come!