Searcy, AR (LP) – Every year citizens of Searcy look forward to the light display at the courthouse and in Berryhill park. In recent years the city of Searcy even put on a lighting ceremony, often accompanied by a special guest in our local or state government, and featuring a performance of our favorite Christmas carols by the Searcy High School band. Unfortunately due to rain and potential storms, the lighting ceremony was cancelled. In addition to the usual festivities this year, Searcy was also going to welcome a TV crew from KARK 4 to air our town’s lighting ceremony.
The lighting ceremony is a product of a minor sales tax increase that was passed by our city council several years ago. This small tax increase allowed our city to fund more community oriented projects, and provide the citizens of Searcy with more fun things to attend that build pride in our hometown. Although initially met with some resistance the lighting ceremony has proven to be a fun event that continually grows every year. The first year it occurred it was only attended by a small crowd of about 30 people, but that number grows each year. Russ Werley a parent of Searcy High School students, and a frequent attendee of the event mentioned how quickly the lighting ceremony has grown, “The first year I went it was only me, my family, a few members of the community, and some band parents, but in recent years it’s become much more widespread.”
Searcy High School’s band has been involved since the beginning of the lighting ceremony. Katherine Peters, a senior in the band told us about the band’s involvement in the lighting ceremony, “Searcy’s lighting ceremony started my freshman year in band so I’ve gotten to play in each lighting ceremony. It’s always a really fun event that isn’t required, and is much more relaxed than our usual performances.” The lighting ceremony is a stark contrast from the band’s usual performances, whether it is playing on the field during Friday night’s game, or performing in front of a packed auditorium. Due to this more relaxed environment the band does not have to spend countless in rigorous rehearsals, but rather short optional practices leading up to the event. Katherine Peters informed us on how the band prepares for this event, “Our practices are just three days after school less than an hour long leading up to the event. This year Mr. Luzzi even played with us on his sousaphone (marching tuba).”
Although this event was cancelled citizens of Searcy are still encouraged to visit both the park and the courthouse, as well as Harding University to view the Christmas lights, and help get Searcy into the Christmas spirit!
