What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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8 WHAT'S UP! NOVEMBER 17-23, 2019 COVER STORY Lights of the Ozarks first in parade of holiday events BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette T is the season — even if it seems to come earlier every year! The holidays begin Nov. 22 when the lights come on in downtown Fayetteville. Bentonville joins in with its lighting ceremony on Nov. 23; it's Christmas on the Creek and the Christmas Parade of the Ozarks Nov. 30 in Springdale; and the Rogers Christmas parade is Dec. 6. Let the merriment begin! Fayetteville This is the 26th year for Lights of the Ozarks, a joint project between Experience Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department. According to Hazel Hernandez, vice president of sales and marketing for Experience Fayetteville, more than 400,000 lights illuminate the square from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. daily from Nov. 22 through Dec. 31. The festivities begin with the arrival of Santa Claus, who will be available for photos at Town Center from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 22. Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan will ceremoniously flip the switch to turn on the lights at 6 p.m. on the Fayetteville Town Center Plaza, and the parade follows. This year, the parade will begin and end in the West Avenue parking lot, just west of the Walton Arts Center. Once the lights are turned on at 6 p.m., the parade heads down West Avenue to the Fayetteville Public Library, turning onto Mountain Street toward the square. Then the parade turns onto East Avenue and goes down to Dickson Street, where it heads back down to West. Santa will also be available for photos from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1; Dec. 5-8; Dec. 12-15; and Dec. 19-23. Cost is $10 plus $5 for each additional print. There are also pony and carriage rides, hot chocolate, food vendors and music nightly. "When the lights come on, people have a look of awe, and it quickly changes to a smile," says Hernandez. "It's so fun to watch. "I think the best story is when people tell us they used to come as kids and now they're bringing their kids," she adds. "I've heard it several times over the years, and I just love that it's turned into a family tradition that everyone can enjoy. Courtesy Photo