Doris and John Brasher and a host of volunteers in Fayette, Alabama, are busy greeting visitors to what has become one of west Alabama’s most well-known attractions — “Christmas in the Park.” Each night, vehicles stream through the entrance of Guthrie Smith Park from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for a drive-through tour of this winter wonderland. More than 14,000 cars typically pass under the long archway of lights each holiday season to view the 1-mile loop featuring more than 50 lighted and animated scenes and 11 wooden scenes.
Kiddie train rides are offered Friday and Saturday nights for $1 per person. Proceeds are channeled back into expanding the display; scenes are added every year.
Nine years ago, the Brashers donated their extensive home light display to the city and soon partnered with the City of Fayette and the Park and Recreation Department to begin “Christmas in the Park.” It has become one of the town’s main events, drawing region-wide visitors.
“We love Christmas; this is very meaningful to us,” said Doris Brasher.
Featured along the tour loop are a 16-foot “Old Glory” with flashing red, white and blue lights and exploding fireworks, an 8-by-10-foot cake that spells “Happy Birthday Jesus,” and an extensive nativity.
“We’re real proud of this,” said Brasher of the park display. “We’ve added a Ferris wheel, an ice cream cone, a big fish pond with things jumping … ”
Since 2009, the Brashers have utilized female inmates from the Fayette County Jail to help set up the holiday spectacle. The women also help the volunteer couple with beautification projects in the city throughout the year. The program has had a positive influence on almost all the women who have participated.
“For the first time in my life I had accomplished and completed something; it showed me how much hard work pays off,” said Melissa Reynolds in December 2013, while she was an inmate. “When I got to see it all lit up, I was proud of myself.”
The Brashers faithfully keep up with the inmates they’ve worked with. “They’re very precious to us,” Brasher said in 2013.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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