With the holidays fast approaching, the magic of the season comes to life for thousands at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 22nd Annual Christmas in the Sky and 31st Annual Christmas in the Park holiday events.
Christmas In The Sky
On Wednesday, Nov. 21, Christmas in the Sky will kick-off at Longview Lake Beach. This holiday fireworks spectacular, courtesy of Parks + Rec and 99.7 The Point, has provided the opening night festivities for Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park since 1997.
The free event includes a holiday stage show featuring more than 100 singers and dancers from Monica’s School of Dance in Lee’s Summit, plus performances by the Southside Singers from Olathe South High School and local recording artist Crystal Clayton. Look for Santa to arrive on a mule-drawn sleigh to present The “First Gift of Christmas” ahead of the colorful fireworks show, which will be synchronized to holiday music on 99.7 The Point.
Topping off the evening, more than 300,000 lights and 175 animated displays will illuminate your magical drive through Jackson County’s 31st Annual Christmas in the Park.
“Every year we add an exciting new display to the Christmas in The Park experience,” said Michele Newman, Jackson County Parks + Rec Director. “This year, we’ve added a spectacular 50-foot lighted drive-thru entrance arch that will be programmed to sequence a variety of dazzling colors, patterns and effects.”
“Our Parks + Rec staff is second to none,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “The talent and expertise they have to design, create and install this massive display year after year is impressive. I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work they do to keep this tradition thriving and the holiday season bright for families.”
Christmas In The Park
Since opening in 1987, more than two million people have made the drive through Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park part of their annual holiday experience.
While there is no charge for this drive-thru event, voluntary exit donations are accepted, with a portion of the proceeds divided among 41 area charities. The community’s support of Christmas in the Park has allowed Jackson County to give more than $1 million to more than 1,000 local charities since its inception.
For more information and directions, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com.
