Town turns out for ‘Light the Park’
Anticipation of lighted trees, music and the arrival of Santa drew hundreds to this year’s Light the Park.
The Farragut Business Alliance event, presented by TDS Telecom, was hosted by town of Farragut at Founders Park at Campbell Station Monday, Nov. 28.
Attendees heard musical performances from Concord United Methodist Church’s Concord Brass, Angela Floyd School of Music students and Farragut High School Madrigal Singers.
“I’m excited,” Farragut resident Sherry West said. She and her children, Anna and Landon West, come to Founders Park to play every year, but West said this is the first year they have attended Light the Park.
Children crowded close as Santa and Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill flipped the switch to turn on the lights.
“Everyone thought it was a success,” Steve Krempasky, FBA executive director, said. “It was smooth, and the Town folks seemed very pleased.”
Krempasky expressed his gratitude to the event’s sponsors and their volunteers, Town crews and volunteer entertainers.
“I was happy to see such a great turnout at Founder’s Park for the kick-off to the holiday season,” FBA president Herc Ligdis said. “We were fortunate that the weather cooperated and allowed the residents to come out and enjoy the festivities.”
Ligdis estimated more than 700 people attended Light the Park.”
“I want to especially thank the town of Farragut staff [members, who] were instrumental in the set-up of the site and the decorations. The lights were fantastic and the credit goes to them.
“We look forward to the rest of the holiday season, and I hope everyone remembers to Shop Farragut,” Ligdis said.
“The town of Farragut is thrilled to provide the holiday lights at Founders Park at Campbell Station for the enjoyment of the Farragut community and our visitors,” Sue Stuhl, Farragut Parks and Leisure director, said. “We are especially proud of all the work done by the members of the Public Works Department, under the direction of Bud McKelvey, Jeff Williams and Jennifer Brown, who spent many hours planning and constructing this display.”
“We came here a couple years ago,” Farragut resident Rich Crompton said. “They’ve added a lot. We’re seeing more decorations and lights on the trees.”
This year, there were 61,326 lights on the trees in the park, Stuhl said. The lights will be up through Jan. 2, and the park’s restrooms will be open each night, including Christmas Eve, until 9:45 p.m.
Vicky and Buddy Wells of Farragut brought their granddaughter, Lily Wells Crawford, who is visiting from New York, to the event.
“She is so excited,” Vicky Wells said about Lily.
“I love ‘Jingle Bells,’” Lily said. She watched some Farragut High School Madrigal Singers give an impromptu performance before the tree-lighting ceremony.
“[Lily’s] mother, Lana Beth Wells, was in the FHS Madrigal group when she was in high school,” Buddy Wells said.
“I’m loving the costumes,” Frances Gummoe, a Campbell County attendee, said. “I’m big on costumes.”
“I’m anticipating the turning on of the lights,” Vanessa Gummoe said.
“[The event] is fun for the kids,” Farragut resident Daniel Greer said. “It kicks off the holiday season and it’s a lot easier than going downtown.”
