Good year for Lights of the Delta

Attendance at Lights of the Delta in 2010 was bigger and better than ever, according to George Hubbard, executive director.

"Our people-count was up by 15 percent," he said. More people took hayrides through the display and more money came into the organization through the gate and the souvenir and concession stand.

"We don't know if it's because the new Greyhound Bus Station display or what, but we were glad to see it," Hubbard said.

The bottom line of the season turned out much better than expected, Hubbard said.

"We spent $25,000 on the new display. We normally spend about $15,000 on repairs to the display. So we made our money back," he said.

Sales at the souvenir stand "exploded" during the last season, he said.

"We sold out of ornaments very early. But we have ordered some more. If anyone would like one, they can contact me," Hubbard said.

Melissa Rutherford coordinates operations of the souvenir stand and the Pictures with Santa, along with her husband, Ben. The students from area FFA clubs provide labor, making the operation even more efficient.

"We took names of people who want an ornament," Melissa Rutherford said. "We have people from Atlanta and California waiting on theirs."

The Pictures with Santa program has evolved into a well-oiled machine, the Rutherfords said. "Those kids manage to take 300 photos in about four and a half hours," Ben Rutherford said.

In all in 2010, 2,910 photos were taken with Santa. The FFA kids process the photos on the spot and print them out, so kids can take their photos with them.

Of course, it's not always young children who have their photo taken with Santa.

"We had lots of groups and families this year," Ben Rutherford said.

"Many families use that photo for their Christmas card," Melissa Rutherford said.

As visitors come into the display, a LOTD volunteer asks each person for their ZIP code. This is done so statistics can be compiled for the yearly report.

The numbers were almost evenly split among residents of Mississippi County, those from other parts of Arkansas and those from other states and countries.

Residents of 35 states went through the display, with residents of Canada, Russia, Italy, China, Sweden, France and others also visiting.

"The Tuesday night before Christmas was our busiest night," Hubbard said. On that night, 675 vehicles traveled through the display.

It takes approximately 30 volunteers to staff the event each night its open. The display is often open for two weeks or more each year.

"We are so grateful to our volunteers," Hubbard said.

The organization was recently presented a much-needed donation: a bucket truck.

Ritter Communications decided to replace one of their trucks, said Harold Kinnel, director of plant operations for Ritter in Blytheville.

Since the truck was replaced, Ritter leaders decided that Lights of the Delta could benefit from the donation.

"They had more need for it than we did," Kinnel said.

Hubbard said the donation will revolutionize the way Lights of the Delta operates.

In the past, a scissor lift had to be use to access the tops of the displays, so repairs often took 30 minutes or more. With the bucket truck, repair times will be cut to mere minutes.

"The truck can get from place to place so much faster," Hubbard said. "It's really going to be a blessing for us."

dhilton@blythevillecourier.com