A ‘Sparkling Wonderland’

LIGHTS OF THE OZARKS TRANSFORMS DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE

Posted: November 20, 2009 at 6:05 a.m.

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FAYETTEVILLE — We see lights in other cities that stand out,” says Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, ticking off names of cities such as Las Vegas and New York City. “But these beat them all.”

He may have a little hometown bias, but it’s hard to question the enthusiasm in Ogbeide’s voice when he waxes poetic about the Lights of the Ozarks, the lighting display that will, starting on Saturday evening, illuminate the Fayetteville square.

Ogbeide says that nearly 6,000 strands of lights - or about 400,000 individual bulbs - have been placed in preparation for the lighting ceremony, which immediately follows the Lights of the Ozarks parade that will traverse the downtown Fayetteville area beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Like last year’s event, Lights of the Ozarks is being coordinated by hospitality and restaurant management students of a Meetings, Events and Convention Management class at the University of Arkansas, under the instruction of Ogbeide.

As the city of Fayettevillepondered its ability to host the event under budget constraints last year, Ogbeide offered the services of his students for a real-life instructional opportunity.

The city’s parks and recreation department is still responsible for installing and removing the lights, with an estimated 3,000 man hours going into the project, Ogbeide says.

The majority of the lights that will brighten downtown are of the LED variety, a type of bulb that is more energyefficient and environmentally friendly than its incandescent counterpart.

Thirty-three students, with minimal assistance from Ogbeide and the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau, have created a more efficient and enjoyableexperience this year, their instructor says.

In 2008, the students got the task of planning the event in October, a little more than a month before it was scheduled to take place.

“The students came together strong. It was a splendid experience for my students,” Ogbeide says.

There has been much more time to plan this year’s festivities.

It starts with the parade a few moments after 6 p.m.

Shelly Walters, a marketing manager for the visitors bureau, says that as of Monday’s deadline, about 20 floats were registered for the parade. That number would becomparable to last year’s total, she says.

Two live bands will offer music to those walking around the square. Santa will also make an appearance, and pony and camel rides will be available.

After the parade concludes, Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan, serving as the grand marshal, will throw the switch that makes the city glow.

Students have sought partnerships for the event and will take the donations they’ve received - which have already exceeded last year’s tally of more than $2,000 - and give the funds to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter and the Boys and Girls Club of Fayetteville.

The class also plans a dog parade, which will return for its second year Dec. 4.

The first installment was better attended than Ogbeide expected, and he anticipates even more costumed animals this year.

For now though, all the attention is on Saturday’s lighting ceremony and the glow that will continue every evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

through Dec. 31. It is a magical experience, Ogbeide says, a glow in his own voice. Under the lights, it’s a place where children laugh and couples get engaged.

“We turn downtown Fayetteville into a sparkling wonderland,” Ogbeide says.

Entertainment, Pages 17 on 11/20/2009

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