Jennings in process of amping up Christmas lights

JENNINGS — Mayor Henry Guinn remembers as a child seeing Christmas lights throughout the town.

It was a place where wide-eyed children and their families could ride around and look at the lights.

Guinn is among a group of locals including the Jennings Garden Club who are working to bring those lights back.

“I have two kids so Christmas is a big event in our household,” Guinn said. “With a four-year-old and a two-year-old, they want to see the lights. They want hayrides and all that stuff.”

In August, the city inventoried its Christmas decorations and found the city had over $300,000 in lighted metal framed ornaments that were just sitting there, he said.

“Some had been used over the years, but they needed new wiring or some of the frames needed to be welded back together,” he said.

Volunteers have been working to rewire, restring and restore many of those lights, which now light up Founders Park and areas along Main Street. Other lighted displays greet visitors to the North Cutting Park just off Shankland Avenue and Louisiana Oil and Gas Park.

“Christmas is such a big time for everybody.” Guinn said. “Anytime that you can increase the quality of life and enhance your downtown appeal, it’s beneficial to everyone, especially the kids. I don’t know a kid growing up that doesn’t like riding around at night looking at Christmas lights and the more you can put the better.

“Our goal this year was to have everything up and ready for Thanksgiving, but we had no idea how much time and energy that would take.”

Plans are to make the displays even bigger and better next year by including more of the city parks and high traffic areas, he said.

“I think next year we will have everything up and running with 100 percent of our inventory in

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

LSU scores late to rout McNeese

McNeese Sports

Cowboys pound Alcorn

Crime

Westlake man accused of molestation

Local News

Audit says Louisiana’s temporary aid program doesn’t vet work records

McNeese Sports

Richards returning to Cowboys

Local News

Layoffs begin at US health agencies responsible for research, tracking disease and regulating food

Crime

4/1: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Court date reset in baby’s hot car death

Local News

Vietnam State Veterans Memorial dedication: Remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

life

Someone You Should Know: 4 questions with Joel Davidson

life

Brush with nature: Artists express serenity of nature

Local News

Shumate to San Antonio, Garcia returning

Local News

Cowgirls to host powerful LSU

Local News

Unveiling the beauty of historic renovations

Crime

3/31: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Business

Stock markets fall worldwide as Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ approaches

life

The art of charcuterie: Bringing art to life through food

life

SW La. school lunch menus March 31-April 4

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Calling all Lazy Gators: Westlake water park nearing completion

Local News

Tigers jump on Miss. State early and often to sweep series

Local News

Lake Charles mayoral race headed to runoff

Local News

Cameron voters favor amendments despite statewide rejection

Local News

Harris, Reynolds in runoff for DeRidder mayor