Light Up Sikeston organizer: Event will be better than ever

SIKESTON — Every year the communities of Sikeston and the surrounding areas look forward to Light Up Sikeston with the Hope of Jesus. The return of the drive-thru light display this year promises to be even better than before, according to event organizers.

The annual event, which begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 25, was started four years ago by the Sikeston First Assembly of God. In celebration of its fourth season, John McHaffie, pastor of Sikeston First Assembly of God, reflected on how much it has grown.

The first Light Up Sikeston started in 2020 at the end of COVID-19. McHaffie said the idea occurred when his church was holding outdoor services at 1221 North Ingram, which is located across from the Sikeston rodeo grounds. McHaffie said services were held outside to provide social distancing during COVID-19.

McHaffie said he and LaRae Long, a member of his church, were talking on the church property in June 2020 when the idea originated.

“One day I noticed that there were electric outlets in each tree out there,” McHaffie said. “And I had this idea that it would be cool if we did something for Christmas.”

Long and McHaffie made the official decision in September 2020 to begin planning the first-ever Light Up Sikeston. 

Long and her husband, Jeff Long, started helping with the preparations, and McHaffie credited the two of them as being the brains behind the event.

McHaffie said they made plans for Light Up Sikeston a drive-thru experience that first year. There were 24 people that participated in putting up their own displays.

According to McHaffie, at first they had no intention of making the Christmas event an annual one until February 2021.

“In February 2021, people started asking us how they could sign up for next year,” McHaffie said. “So we were just like, ‘Okay.’”

By August 2021, the community had really started to rally behind the annual Christmas event. The Sikeston Jaycees contributed money to Light Up Sikeston, and Alan Wire provided wire rolls.

Since 2020, the event has grown in size, and McHaffie said this year they have extended the lighted tunnel.

“Last year the tunnel was 48 feet, and this year we have extended it,” McHaffie said. “It is an LED light tunnel that is 96 feet long.”

McHaffie said 85 to 90 individuals/groups have signed up to put up a display this year. On Saturday nights, business owners with displays are permitted to come out and stand by their displays as long as they are dressed in reflective gear. 

Also, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday nights, the church will hand out candy canes or hot chocolate. McHaffie said any organization that wishes to participate in the handouts of holiday treats is welcome to do so. 

On the north side of the property, directly after passing through the tunnel, there will also be a memorial wall to pay respects to loved ones who have passed. 

McHaffie said organizers are very excited about the many new features they have added this year.

“We have a 34-foot Christmas tree in the middle of the ball field; we are decorating our pavilion, and the playground will be decorated,” McHaffie said. “The playground will actually be open for kids to play on as well, and we will have a designated area for parking.”

There is no fee for display setup or admission to the event, but the church strongly encourages donations, which will benefit a local charity.

“As a church, we pick a local organization every year, and we donate 100 percent of the donations to that organization,” McHaffie said. “This year, the local charity is Aspire Women’s Center.”

McHaffie continued when donations are presented to the local charity, they’re told the proceeds are from the community.

According to McHaffie, what makes the event so special is that it allows families to get out and do something during the Christmas season, and that the main focus is on the hope of Jesus.

“When so many cars are driving through, and when you have almost 90 participating organizations, it shows a unity in the community,” McHaffie said. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Light Up Sikeston brings the joy of the holidays more to life.” 

Light Up Sikeston with the Hope of Jesus will open at 6 p.m. Nov. 25 at and continue until Jan. 1. Donations will also be accepted at a donation station on the property during that time.