CHRISTMAS AT PENNINGTON PARK

Christmas in Pennington Park

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

All is joyous and bright with Dadeville’s return of the annual Christmas in Pennington Park this year. Following the extravagance of last year’s multitude of beautiful displays, totaling 65, the organizers of the event hope to bring even more displays to the park for residents to enjoy. “We had 2,500 lights last year, and we’re hoping to have 4,500 this year. It has just grown and grown and grown,” said Kurt Pfitzner, owner of Pennington Park.

Every year, Pennington Park allows families, businesses and churches to build Christmas-themed displays to help get residents and the surrounding communities in the spirit of the holiday season. All displays are welcome, as long as they reflect a business, honor a loved one or a family member or show some holiday cheer.

“The creativity is absolutely incredible,” said Pfitzner.

Each separate entry into the Pennington Park display must fit in a 10-foot by 10-foot space, and all lighting throughout each display must be LED. Anyone planning to set up a display using motorized components must have the plan for the display evaluated and approved ahead of time. Also, keep in mind that weather is a factor when it comes to the displays. Include wet-rated electrical cords to ensure safety.

Though participants supply most of the supplies for the different displays, Pennington Park will provide the space, a sponsorship sign, electricity and supervision of the displays throughout the season beginning Dec. 1 and lasting until Jan. 6.

Along with the beautiful displays, organizers will include a North Pole mailbox in the park to allow children and even adults the chance to get their wish lists to Santa. Those who write to him and send their letters off in the mailbox should expect a letter from the big man himself, along with a hoof mark signature from his faithful sidekick, Rudolph. Santa even plans to make the occasional visit to the park in a full-sized Santa sleigh.

To ensure safety and provide access to all who wish to visit the park during the season, a handicapped accessible path will be visible around the displays.

Participants may begin display installation on Nov. 1 and may take until Nov. 25 to set up completely, if needed. The lighting ceremony of the displays will take place on Nov. 27 if weather permits.

“There was an audible gasp when we turned the lights on last year,” said Pfitzner.

If you aren’t interested in participating in a display this year, there are plenty of other ways to get involved with the event. Event organizers are always looking for helper elves for the season. To get involved, send a private message to the Pennington Park’s Facebook account, call Pfitzner at 334-233-9852 or email him at kppfitzner@gmail.com.