'Tis the season to be merry and bright, and we've got the perfect holiday event for iHeart Radio listeners to mark on their calendars. The 30th-anniversary season of Lights of the Ozarks is here, and it's gearing up to be the most spectacular celebration yet!
Kicking off the festive season on Friday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m., the Lights of the Ozarks festival will illuminate downtown Fayetteville with its annual lighting ceremony and parade on the picturesque square. Picture this: Mayor Lioneld Jordan will take center stage, "flipping the switch" in front of the Fayetteville Town Center, signaling the commencement of the dazzling parade.
In a special nod to the event's rich history, Marilyn Heifner, the visionary behind Lights of the Ozarks who launched the tradition back in 1993, will grace the occasion as the grand marshal of the parade. It's a nostalgic celebration of 30 years of spreading holiday cheer!
The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation crews work their festive magic, dedicating over 3,300 hours to adorn the square with a breathtaking display of more than 500,000 holiday lights. From 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. every evening until Dec. 31, the square transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting visitors to indulge in nightly holiday activities, sip on warm hot chocolate, and be serenaded by festive tunes.
But the festivities don't end there! Venture over to the Fayetteville Town Center for four enchanting winter markets that add an extra layer of charm to Lights of the Ozarks:
📅 Nov. 18 – Fruitcake: A kid-free holiday market
📅 Dec. 1 – Mitzvah Holiday Art Market: Featuring art from over 50 local artists
📅 Dec. 2 – Little Craft Show: Showcasing handmade arts and crafts
📅 Dec. 15 – FayetteVINTAGE Market: Brimming with vintage treasures from dozens of vendors
For more information or to be a part of the parade, visit experiencefayetteville.com.
Get ready to unwrap the magic, as Lights of the Ozarks promises to be the holiday event of the season. Join us in celebrating three decades of joy, laughter, and dazzling lights! 🌟🎁🎉