If one wants to experience the impact of Great Bend’s now-famous Trail of Lights Christmas display, they need only to take a shift as a greeter at Brit Spaugh Park. This past Thursday evening, over 100 spectators made the glowing circuit to “ooooh” and “awwwww” over the decorations, including a chartered bus load from Montezuma.

Each year, Great Bend garners state and national attention at Christmas time for its Trail of Lights. The twinkling trail winds its way through the city, connecting parks with a ribbon of holiday cheer.

This renowned attraction draws visitors from all over the county. Families make an evening out of touring the lights. “We’ve been through several times,” one Great Bend woman said as she drove a car full of kids through Brit Spaugh Park.

Each was given a candy cane.

It also brings in travelers from elsewhere in Kansas and even from other states. That bus hauled 18 visitors to our city.

Over the years, the trail has become a holiday tradition.

But, its appearance each year is no Christmas miracle performed by Santa or his elves. It just doesn’t spring up magically overnight. 

It takes a lot of work from some very dedicated city employees who start early in the fall putting up the decorations. It also takes a lot of effort to prepare the gift bags given to visitors and coordinate the volunteers  needed.

Then, there are the volunteers themselves who brave the cold to man the small booth at Brit Spaugh Park and greet tour takers. 

It takes a lot of folks to make this happen. 

So, take time to slow down and tour the lights. It is a colorful way to leave the hectic pace of the season behind and revisit that youthful sense of Christmas awe.

While your at it, be grateful for the behind-the-scenes work involved. And, if you are so inclined, please drop some change in the donation bucket.

Maintaining this attraction isn’t cheap. Every little bit helps keep those lights sparkling.

Dale Hogg