PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Pine Bluff is home to many things which includes the largest drive-thru holiday display in Arkansas, known as The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends.
Every December, Regional Park transforms into a winter wonderland.
“This has been going on for over 25 years. This really exudes the spirit of Pine Bluff,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Samuel Glover.
Each year, hundreds of cars line up and people are ready to feel the holiday cheer.
“People come from over 100 miles to come and see this display,” said Glover.
This tradition is something the city takes pride in. Year after year, they work to make sure the lights go up despite any challenges.
“Back in 2019, we had a historical flood, and we were all impacted by that. And of course, Pine Bluff Regional Park is in a flood plain and so we had to replace a lot of the electrical and things of that nature,” said Glover.
Glover explained that the most recent challenge for them was actually a visit from "grinches."
“Just vandalism in general, where, well, let's just go out and with our ATVs and run through the lights,” said Glover.
“We haven't had much of that, but you'll get some of it. And so, it pushed our timeline back a little bit. But we'll just continue to push forward because I continue to talk about the resiliency of this community,” he added.
The unity among the Pine Bluff community is represented in each light display.
“When you see those signs as you as you drive through, and you see those dedications, even some of the people and memory of a loved one or the businesses, it shows that business is still going on here, business is still thriving,” said Glover. “The people still love Pine Bluff.”
Glover also added that this tradition won't be stopping anytime soon
“25 more years. We're speaking it now we believe it,” said Glover.
The light display will be up through Christmas Day with the lights on daily from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.