Dames Ferry Elementary School has their Bright Lights and Winter Nights Christmas light display up for the third year, and Dec. 1 they held a light up event with various activities for the community to enjoy.
Wes Cavender, the principal at Dames Ferry, said the event was to help show off the light display and create some holiday joy with students in the community.
“This is our third year doing Bright Lights on Winter Nights here at Dames Ferry, and we’ve added a few additional light displays this year. Our goal is to add to our display each year,” he said. “We find the students really enjoy coming here and seeing the lights both inside and outside. It’s a great opportunity for the families to come out, visit Dames Ferry and enjoy the holiday season.”
He said JoCola was at the event giving away free books to students, the Dames Ferry chorus performed Christmas carols, and the cheerleaders performed. They gave out hot chocolate and cookies to visitors, and students were able to visit Santa Claus in the lobby at the school.
“We here at Dames Ferry are about providing an environment for our students that makes the students want to come to school and feel comfortable here. This is something our elementary school kids get excited about during the holiday season, so Bright Lights and Winter Nights has been something they look forward to each year,” Cavender said.
The principal said the students start telling him at the beginning of the school year they can’t wait to see what will be added to the light display. He said the display brings people together around the community, and they can drive through at any time.
“People really do seem to enjoy the lights. It started out small the first year, and now it’s become something even bigger,” he said. “We would love for people in the community all over Jones County to come drive through to see them and take pictures. They will be up until New Year’s Day.”
Denielle Johnson, a fourth-grade student at Dames Ferry, said she moved from Milledgeville to Jones County just this year. She said Dames Ferry Elementary School has been welcoming and the teachers have been nice.
“I like all of the Christmas lights and spending time with my friends. This is my first year seeing the Christmas lights, and I think they are very pretty. My favorite light is the gingerbread house, because it’s pretty. Christmas lights like these help you spend time with your family and enjoy each other,” the student said.
Cavender said there’s a Santa in a boat, new barn scene lights, trees, and more in the light display this year. He said the light display is all about the students and to create memories at Dames Ferry Elementary School.
“Bright Lights and Winter Nights is worth it. My favorite thing about the lights is seeing the joy they bring to the students,” he said. “I love the holiday season, and I’m thankful we could do this event to show off our display. We hope people come by in the evenings to see them before next year. It’s all about the kids in our community.”
