More than 30 years ago, the town of Chickasha decided to light up Shannon Springs Park for the holiday season; each year since, the displays have gotten more impressive and the lights more dazzling.
It all started in 1992 when a few citizens hit on an idea to get their community involved with and excited about an end-of-year holiday event. The first Festival of Light delighted the townspeople and visitors who came from nearby communities. But that was just the beginning.
Year after year the showcase became more popular. Word spread not only across Oklahoma but to surrounding states, as holiday visitors from out of town talked about the exciting light event. In 1996, only four years after the first show, more than 30 tour buses from Texas had overnight reservations.
Walking or driving through the 43-acre park, now illuminated with more than 3.5 million lights, has become a holiday tradition. Familiar favorites are annual staples, including the crystal bridge that shines and sparkles, and the iconic 172-foot-tall Christmas tree. It’s the centerpiece of the park, adorned with 20,000 lights, and can be seen from miles away.
Animated and intricate displays capture the attention of all ages. Each year brings a few surprises, sometimes a new mesmerizing light installation that dances and shimmers, or perhaps a heartwarming scene that brings smiles to young and old.
The Festival of Light, one of the first such events in the state, is free to walk or drive through. The route stretches 4 miles beginning to end. If that’s too far to walk but you want a close-up look, consider a horse-drawn carriage for an open-air experience. Whether by foot, car or carriage, cruise through Shannon Springs Park and gaze in wonder at more than 100 dazzling light scenes, animated displays and a light show synchronized to joyful holiday tunes.
The Chickasha light show has been recognized as one of the top 10 holiday events in the nation, but there’s more than lights. For a small price, visitors can also enjoy a carousel, Ferris wheel, pictures with Santa, ice skating and carriage and camel rides at the park.
Chickasha’s Festival of Light is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that annually brings about 200,000 people to the park. Each year’s success is due to the hundreds of tireless volunteers and small board of directors who plan all year for the event that attracts so many. Volunteers help set up the festival and then work during it, often as greeters, entertainers, guides or any other job that needs attention.
The annual light show might be the most popular event in Chickasha, at least during Christmas, but there’s another attraction downtown that’s getting a lot of attention year-round. The permanent leg lamp sculpture, inspired by the 1983 movie A Christmas Story, is 40 feet and stands on a 10-foot-tall box.
Festival of Light continues through Dec. 31. This season, as with the last 32, Chickasha shines. It’s where people go to gaze in wonder and wrap themselves in the Christmas spirit.
