Wappapello Festival of Lights almost full, opens Friday

The show will go on this year at Wappapello Lake as preparations are underway for the 28th annual Festival of Lights Auto Tour at the Redmond Creek East Campground.

This partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Wappapello Lake Area Association (WLAA) has grown into a treasured holiday experience for thousands of people who drive through a wonderland of lights and music.

The lights are supplied by area businesses, churches and individuals and it all starts at 5 p.m. Friday.

“We only have four sites left open so we’re doing great!” said Aleigha Alexander with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Our recreation season has ended, and a lot of our campgrounds are closed so nobody is camping here. (This) allows us the opportunity to bring in additional revenue during the offseason for the community.”

It’s free to set up a display, with many spaces occupied by long time decorators. Those interested should contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562, fill out a little paperwork and start decorating. The availability of the last four spots in this year’s display can be checked by calling the Management Office. Applications are accepted year-round and participants are encouraged to sign up for next year’s display.

Participants have the chance to win bragging rights for the next year if they are chosen for one of the People’s Choice Awards. Voting tickets are handed out along with the traditional candy cane when visitors enter the campground. Winners are announced just before Christmas and cash prizes are awarded.

Deana Teague with WLAA and the chairperson of the Festival of Lights adds, “It’s free to the public. We do take donations which helps us with our fireworks in July, but you don’t have to give anything if you don’t want to. No donations go to the Corps of Engineers. It’s all put right back into the community and to help fund next year’s Festival of Lights.”

For 27 years people have showed up in droves to experience the wonder. Last year, 30,000 people enjoyed this holiday wonderland, but according to Jayne Allison of WLAA, some people find it by accident.

“We get a lot of people that are just traveling through here, and they go wow, look at the lights, so we get people that didn’t intend to come that come through and look at the lights. (Once) they’ve been through, sometimes they come back with someone else,” Allison said.

The event will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting this Friday and nightly from Dec. 21 to Jan. 3.

Music is provided by River Radio through visitor’s car stereos.