Set Up Begins for Christmas Lights in Noble Park

It's obvious something big is about to happen in Noble Park. Thousands of framed lights are scattered throughout the grounds and it appears there's no rhyme nor reason to the mess. But we know there's a specific place for each and every display and only a few weeks to have everything in its place.

Each year, Paducah Power System sponsors a magnificent display of Christmas lights in Paducah's Noble Park. Christmas in the Park began in 1997 with Christmas lights donated by JF "Doc" Hicks and Jimmy Kinsey. Both men had displays at their homes for many years. Over the years, PPS has purchased many new displays and added several from corporate sponsors, and now, a half million twinkling bulbs illuminate the park between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Thousands of people visit the event, making it a holiday favorite for people of all ages. In 2011, Paducah Sun readers voted it their favorite community holiday tradition.   

During Christmas in the Park, PPS employees and community volunteers man the Santa House at the park, collecting donations of money and nonperishable food for area helping agencies. To date, Christmas in the Park has generated $494,601.92 and 605,620 pounds of food for local food pantries. During this past season, the event raised 50,605 pounds of food and $37,500. All donations from Christmas in the Park activities go to Paducah Cooperative Ministry, Family Service Society and the Salvation Army.  

In recent years, a significant portion of the proceeds have come from the annual Stuff the Truck drive involving Lourdes and Western Baptist Hospitals and the School Challenge. During Stuff the Truck, employees at both hospitals and the general public work for two days to stuff a semi trailer full of canned and dry goods. During the School Challenge, schools in Paducah/McCracken County compete against each other by collecting canned goods. The school that collects the most pounds of food per student wins $1,000. Both events typically generate more than 35,000 pounds of food. The 2013 School Challenge winners were: Champion-Community Christian Academy Middle/High School, Runner-up-Tilghman High School, Spirit Award Winner-Concord Elementary and Best Canned Good Sculpture Winner-Heath Elementary.

Paducah Power is currently taking reservations from groups wanting to man the Santa House at the Noble Park during the 2014 season. Anyone wishing to help can contact Cindy James at 270-575-4000.

 

Information for this article comes from Paducah Power System   www.paducahpower.com