Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the lights are so delightful!
As the temperature has dropped, the lights have gone up in Searcy, Arkansas. Houses, schools and parks are all decked out to show holiday spirit this season.
Harding students are very familiar with the grand lighting display on the front lawn. For years it has been a sign of the arrival of Christmas for students. While the front lawn lit up a few weeks before other Searcy establishments and locations, there are many displays for people to enjoy off campus, as well.
Berryhill Park and Spring Park both have massive displays for the public to walk around in. Berryhill is unique because of the movement in their lights.
“I love Christmastime in Searcy,” senior Lindsey Bender said. “Especially Berryhill Park — it always reminds me of sweet memories from freshman year.”
Bender said she recalls walking around the park with new friends and family during visits to help move out of dorms.
Christmastime brings strong memories of times with family and friends — from large family dinners to party games or long walks to see decorated houses. Bender is one of many who enjoys walking to see various houses and parks.
Spring Park is another outdoor display to walk through in Searcy, which consists of a combination of tree lights and figure displays of lights. One area of the park is completely covered with lights.
“The back corner of Spring [Park] is so fun,” senior Scarlette Leckie said. “The lights are close together and just hang so nicely. It’s so magical.”
Leckie has lived in Searcy for most of her life. She described growing up and seeing all of the lights begin to turn on around the town. When one would light, another would follow soon after, Leckie said.
There are also many houses with large displays for people to drive by and enjoy. Some churches also light up for their holiday Nativity celebrations to match the festivities.
Students still in Searcy can enjoy the numerous Christmas lights and decorations around town, each one looking slightly unique from the next. Some displays include bright lights with interesting designs, and others go for classic brilliance. Regardless, each may fulfill their goal of spreading holiday cheer.
“I just like to walk and see everyone’s different lights,” senior Kelsea Loe said. “Like, the lights outside the house and the way they decorate trees.”
Loe said she remembers walking in her neighborhood with her family to look at lights growing up and now continuing the tradition with walks around campus and parks.
“I think for me, I just think of lights as part of Christmas, you know?” Loe said. “It is such a huge part of my childhood memories.”
