Anchored by the dazzling display at the Lashbrook household, the Stonegate neighborhood is set to kick off the 28th annual “Owensboro Christmas Lights” event this weekend. The free event had humble beginnings but has grown to become one of the most prominent display of Christmas lights and scenes in the area.
The event will officially kick off Saturday, though those holding the event said it’s possible everything could fall in place by tonight. The Owensboro Christmas Lights will be open to the public 5-9 p.m. every Sunday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. every Friday-Saturday.
Stonegate resident Jeff Lashbrook has spent season after season organizing the “Owensboro Christmas Lights” event for the community to enjoy. While each house puts its own lights up, Lashbrook handles the task of including additional drive-by and walk-through displays throughout the subdivision.
While the event used to be a family tradition with his children by his side, Lashbrook has taken on more of the work himself as they’ve grown older.
“It’s for the community at this point,” Lashbrook said. “I still do it every year.”
This year’s holiday event will include some new additions, including a snowman family who will be donning green lights in their hands to represent the COVID-19 pandemic, Lashbrook said. He said the group of snowmen will represent his own family.
Lashbrook will also show off several new Christmas tree and reindeer displays that have never been seen before.
Though people must stay in their vehicles for the majority of the drive-thru event, there will be a few different walk-through displays where people can get out of the car and take pictures. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lashbrook said one-way paths in and out of the displays will be offered to the public.
“It took a little extra work but we went ahead and did it,” he said.
For those seeking shorter lines and smaller crowds, Lashbrook suggested visiting the display during the week rather than over the weekend.
