Photos courtesy of Jo Laughery

Visitors from near and far, even bus tours, have been traveling to Guthrie Center to experience the splendid glowing holiday attraction that would otherwise be expected in a more metropolitan area.

A volunteer-led effort transforms Mitchell Park on the west end of downtown into a lighted, free drive-through attraction that is open from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Jo Laughery has led the organization since its beginning, “It was in 1994, so this is our 26th year of decorating the city park, and it started with my boss who was the City Clerk at that time, Gary Walter, and our friend Pam Kunkle. And we just happened to be all together one evening with our husbands and got to just brainstorming and said, ‘Why can’t we do this?’ And so that’s how it started.”

What started off modestly has grown more extravagant every year, as Laughery says last year’s attraction featured 88 displays. Anyone is welcome to participate, from civic organizations and businesses, to those creating a loved one’s memorial. She says about 600 lightbulbs are replaced every year, so free will donations are always appreciated, either at their designated box at the park, or at Guthrie County State Bank or Peoples Bank in Guthrie Center. Volunteers are also needed on Saturday, November 23rd at 1 p.m. to help fill water jugs for the stringed-light path. Those interested in putting up a display or providing other assistance can contact Laughery at 641-747-2223 or jonjim@netins.net.