Crowds turn out for first Jackson lighting event despite rain

The Jackson Holiday Extravaganza's organizers said, "rain or shine," and scores of people attended the first-ever lighting ceremony in Jackson City Park despite the soggy weather.

"The lights are shining, no matter what the weather's doing," organizer Angelia Thomas said. "I think we have a great turnout, considering [the rain]."

Energy-efficient L.E.D. displays ran through the park along the swollen Hubble Creek, including a walk-through archway over the creek. The display will run through New Year's Eve.

Friday's event featured a number of activities, food and horse-and-buggy rides.

Before the flipping of the person-sized light switch to turn on the displays, organizers thanked the businesses and residents who helped fund the event, and former Jackson mayor Barbara Lohr recited a poem.

Jackson resident Tamy Bening brought Raylee Bening to see the lights and write a letter to Santa.

"I love it when you bring gifts," the letter began, before asking whether Santa could bring a princess dress with a Rapunzel wig and/or a Jeep.

"I think [the lights] are really cool," she said.

Sue Weber came out with them to see the display honoring the memory of her grandson, Jackson teenager Nolan Weber, who died in December 2013.

"Oh, the lights are beautiful," she said.

"Yes, it is beautiful," Tamy agreed. "Even in the rain."

Jamie Koehler and other representatives from the Missouri Department of Conservation helped children make pinecone birdfeeders.

Paul, Stacy and 10-year-old Alex Klusmeier of Cape Girardeau took advantage of the "Selfie Station."

"We'll definitely be back over sometime when it's drier, maybe," Paul said. "This is really cool; it would be perfect on a semi-warm night, maybe if it was dry."

Sikeston, Missouri, resident Randy Eskew and his sister Debbie Franks said they were glad to see the inaugural year of the event.

"Now that we've seen them, we can say, 'Hey, you remember when they first flipped the switch?'" he said.

"I would have come anyway," Franks said. "I love this town."

"We're excited that people will be able to enjoy it through the season," Thomas said.

She said she wasn't surprised people braved the rain and cold to see the lights.

"That's Jackson for you. That's just the community," she said. "That's what helped create this event in the first place: the support."

The displays were erected by the Jackson Community Outreach Board, which also is responsible for organizing the Jackson Farmers Market and Uptown Cruise.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573)388-3627

Pertinent address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, Mo.