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Light Up Sikeston with the Hope of Jesus lights display brightens holidays
SIKESTON — Light Up Sikeston with the Hope of Jesus is back again this year, and the return of the drive-thru light display is the biggest year yet, according to organizers.
The annual event officially opened back up for the season at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at 1221 North Ingram in Sikeston. Five years ago the light-up display was started by the Sikeston First Assembly of God, and it has grown every year since.
Light Up Sikeston is open every evening until the morning of Jan. 1, 2025, when the lights will be turned off for the season.
According to Sikeston First Assembly of God pastor John McHaffie, each night at dusk is the best time to drive through the light display.
“Turn off your headlights, slow down, turn on your favorite Christmas music and sit back and enjoy the tour, maybe once, maybe twice, or as many times as you wish,” McHaffie said.
Last year there were around 90 participants in the light up display and McHaffie said this year there are nearly 120 participants who are lighting up the season with incredible displays, including a tow truck, garbage truck, abominable snowman, Jesus sign, a 96-foot lighted tunnel and much more.
“What began in 2020 as a way to bring joy while allowing for social distancing has grown beyond anything we could have imagined,” McHaffie said. “Now in our fifth year, the event continues to grow, with bigger and better lights each season, bringing our community together in a spectacular celebration of the holidays.”
According to McHaffie, there are some exciting changes to this year’s drive-thru light display.
“We’ve relocated the garbage truck and tow truck to the middle of the field, adding more to enjoy in the distance,” McHaffie said. “The biggest highlight, however, is nearly 25 new participants joining us this year which makes a huge difference and adds even more festive charm to the display.”
McHaffie said on Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be people waving, singing and spreading holiday cheer, weather permitting, at Light Up Sikeston.
McHaffie also said the Next Level Cosplay LLC adds an extra touch of magic each week, bringing beloved characters like Spider-Man, the Grinch, Bluey, Batman and more.
“You never know who you might run into, and a selfie with your favorite character is always a possibility,” McHaffie said. “Additionally, the good folks from Grace Bible Fellowship might be gathered around a cozy fire, making s’mores and adding to the warm, community spirit of the event.”
McHaffie also said his church usually is near the pavilion with a bucket of candy canes and sometimes elves from Wal-Mart Pharmacy are passing out candy on Saturday nights.
According to McHaffie, Light Up Sikeston is a gift to the community, which is entirely non-profit; any donations from sponsors go toward covering repairs and the significant utility bill that comes in January.
“The displays are set up by dedicated volunteers from the church, the Hope Center and other community groups,” McHaffie said. “A small committee meets throughout the year to dream big, plan, and raise funds—all with one purpose: to share the hope of Jesus with our community through this joyful event.”
McHaffie said the annual holiday light-up display is truly a special event, bringing out the inner child in everyone.
“There’s something magical about the thousands of lights they seem to spark joy in everyone, from the youngest children to the elderly, even those suffering from dementia,” McHaffie said.
McHaffie said the greatest benefit of Light Up Sikeston is the sense of unity it brings to the community.
According to McHaffie, this year the Light Up Sikeston planning committee has chosen the SEMO Food Bank as their donation destination. McHaffie said to drop loose change, bills or checks made out to the Sikeston First Assembly of God. One hundred percent of the donations from the red donation box will go to the SEMO Food Bank at the end of the season.