Lights of the Delta pays tribute to Johnny Cash with new display

When the Lights of the Delta hosts its kickoff later this month, the event will feature the christening of a brand-new display titled "The Man in Black."

The custom-made display showcases legendary artist Johnny Cash's first ever radio performance, which happened right here in Blytheville.

Each year, the Lights of the Delta's month-long season is a huge draw for tourism in Blytheville and Mississippi County as a whole. Visitors cross city, county and state borders to come see the 6-million light display with friends and family, many looking to see what's new for that season. This year, LOTD Executive Director George Hubbard said he's excited to unveil the new display.

"Every two to three years, we try to add a unique display, and this display is the only display in the world like it. We had it commissioned -- custom made -- for Lights of the Delta, and it'll be the only one," Hubbard said. "Every time we do a unique display, like the Painted House with John Grisham or the bus station, we try to tie it into our heritage, and this time it's going to be a display based on Johnny Cash."

"The Man in Black" depicts Cash's first time ever playing on the radio, which was at Blytheville's KLCN studio while he was still in high school. The old KLCN studio used to be located above the current Russell's Sales location on Main Street.

"Most people don't know this, but the very first time Johnny Cash played on the radio was at KLCN, which is 910 AM, right here in downtown Blytheville," Hubbard said. "They used to have in their studio, which was above Russell's Sales, an area where they brought in talent on Saturday mornings. We know for a fact that he actually played on KLCN, so this display depicts that."

LOTD spent roughly $30,000 on the one-of-a-kind display, which will be set up directly across from Jingle Bell Park. Although the organization can usually purchase four or five displays for that price when buying stock or used displays, Hubbard said anytime a display is commissioned, it costs significantly more.

But the money spent for the display was spent on more than just something to look at, according to Hubbard, who said its an investment back into the community and the area as a whole, particularly with its connection to the Johnny Cash Homeplace renovations being done in Dyess by Arkansas State University.

"We did this with the bus station in the same way," Hubbard said. "When we have customers and visitors come out and see the bus station display and they say 'wow, that's incredible,' we tell them if they want to see something really incredible, they need to go downtown and see the real bus station. And this is the same way."

"We're hoping that we're going to draw visitors that may come to Mississippi County to see the Johnny Cash Homeplace, and then while they're here also come see Lights of the Delta, or vice versa," he continued. "If they come to the Lights, we'll be more than happy to direct them down to Dyess."

As in years past, LOTD will also have a new ornament for sale which will feature the Cash display.

Opening night for the LOTD is Nov. 25, at 5:30 p.m., and will once again be a fundraiser for the Ignite group and the Blytheville/Gosnell Food Pantry. Entry is by donation that night with no set price, and visitors can bring new toys, canned foods or make monetary donations. The tour will open at 5:30 p.m. each night through Dec. 27, and close at 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Santa Claus will be at the Jingle Bell Park every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas Day taking pictures, and every Tuesday night is half-price entry.

Jingle Bell Park will also be the home to the Legacies in Lights display. Memorial or honorary spots can be attained for a minimum $100 donation. Hubbard said this is a great way to not only remember friends and loved ones, but also support the non-profit group's efforts.

Hayrides will also be available each night by reservation only. For more information about hayrides, call Karen Danner at 870-740-6039, and for more LOTD information, call Hubbard at 870-762-9788.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com