Poplar Bluff rings in holiday cheer with contest for Christmas lights displays

Samantha Knuckles remembers her early childhood days of driving through the city of Poplar Bluff to see Christmas light displays.

“I grew up in Doniphan and I remember as a kid coming to Poplar Bluff,” she said during a phone interview Wednesday. “Now, I have my little ones and I want them to be able to enjoy the Christmas light displays.”

After reflecting on the lack of light displays within the city, Knuckles decided to call Poplar Bluff Councilwoman Jerrica Fox.

“My idea is to bring Christmas spirit back to town,” Knuckles said.

Fox then brought the idea to Matt Winters, the city manager of Poplar Bluff.

“We decided to host a competition for first, second and third place with several businesses donating the awards,” Fox said during a phone interview.

The Christmas light competition will eventually be branded and part of a community Facebook page. As of press time, that page has not yet been published.

Entries can be made by sharing photos online at www.darnews.com/forms/christmaslights .

“We are working on it as we speak,” Fox confirmed. “We are just looking for a graphic for the landing page.”

All residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate for the Christmas light display contest within the city while a Google document with addresses will be uploaded so residents can enjoy the holiday lights.

Knuckles said that as the sun sets earlier during the winter time, people can still enjoy their drive home and see Christmas lights.

“I think it just can elevate the mood and even help with seasonal depression,” she said. “Any way that I can be involved with this effort, then I will do it. This is something that we can continue with, let’s bring this back to the city.”