LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Capitol is well known for their annual Christmas lights. However, the lights are not the only thing brightening the night sky. There is also fireworks once a year.
Chris Powell is the press secretary for Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston and when asked about the fireworks, he told us, "why not fireworks?"
Powell added that the building "is a focal point in the City of Little Rock during the Christmas season when it’s all lit up.”
This tradition is one that dates back to 1938.
“Secretary of State Crip Hall did that as a gesture to the sick children at the [Arkansas] Children’s Hospital. To inspire the children during the Christmas season.”
The capitol lights up on the first Saturday in December and the tradition continues this Saturday for the 84th time.
“After the ceremony we’ll have the lighting and then the fireworks," Powell said. "Then people can come into the capitol and we’ve got Santa’s workshop set up here with the capitol Christmas tree and all sorts of decorations and we all look forward to it.”
And if you can’t make it Saturday the Arkansas State Capitol will have extended hours until 9 p.m. if you want to see the decorations inside.