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CHRISTMAS ACROSS ARKANSAS

© Bertha Sutliff

Wouldn't you love to be in Santa's seat and be able to see all the beautiful lights that illuminate the cities as the reindeer fly by? What a glorious sight that must be.

Arkansas also has cities aglow with Christmas lights. Small cities, large cities, one-stop towns...anywhere you want to drive you will see Christmas everywhere.

El Dorado shines with her "Christmas on the Square" featuring caroling and rides in a horse-drawn carriage. One of the world's man-made Christmas trees is seen on her horizon...the KTVE-TV tower. Glowing in all its radiant light it shines out to the world.

Magnolia takes it a mile longer and decorates its historic Columbia County Courthouse, trees and lamps with over twelve miles of brilliant lights. At Southern Arkansas University a 180-foot campus water tower is lit up like a candle. Like the proverbial "light in the darkness" it guides the weary traveler to a place of rest.

Texarkana's "Sounds of the Seasons" give way for the Christmas Parade, holiday music and lighting of the courthouse. Take a ride in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage and view this border town and its many wonderful sights.

Ashtown has been honored by the Arkansas Tourism Industry with a Henry Award for outstanding achievement. This little town has fifteen miles of lights featured in the "Land of Lights Festival."

Famous Hot Springs has its "Holiday in the Park" from November 26 to January 1. Traditional lighting of this historic downtown includes brilliant light effects, a parade, luminaries, and a live nativity. Want to do some shopping? How about a candlelight walk along the street where the stores are open till late at night for your convenience.

Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, has its "Lighting of the State Capitol" on December 4. This will include seventy-five decorated trees representing every county in the state. Four hundred thousand lights will decorate the city's "River Market" with its outdoor ice-skating.

Searcy also received Arkansas's prestigious Henry Award for its parade and Berryhill Park light up on November 26. Must be a beautiful sight to see.

Paris, my hometown, has an enchanting display of Christmas lights displaying the historic 1900s county courthouse. Thousands of lights drape the magnificent building and Christmas trees line its cobblestone drive.

Pine Bluff was voted Arkansas Festival Association's Outstanding New Idea and Best New Festival runner-up. More than 3.5 million lights adorn the Jefferson County Court House and Main Street. Visitors will enjoy the "Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends" inside the Jefferson Regional Park. There they will see many animated displays and listen to a Gospel Music Concert in Symphony.