Every holiday season, cities throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley light up the night with dazzling Christmas lights the whole family can enjoy. One river city making a name for itself is Gallipolis, with Gallipolis In Lights in its sixth year.
Gallipolis In Lights began in 2013 when Shari Rocchi and Lance Clifford formed a small committee to coordinate holiday decor efforts. “My family and I traveled to an out of town light display around the holidays in 2012, then returned to Gallipolis to see our half-lit snowflake arch in the park. We were so disappointed that I put a post on Facebook stating I would give some money and volunteer my time to help brighten up the holidays at our park,” said Shari. “The first year we made 300 light balls, had a Santa house built, and I asked area schools to decorate and display a tree around the Santa House.”
We now have over 1,800 light balls, 216 community-decorated trees, tons of light displays, a dancing tree farm, a live nativity, fireworks and much more!
Over the past six years, Gallipolis In Lights has continued to grow and now the impressive display takes over City Park in the center of town. “We now have over 1,800 light balls, 216 community-decorated trees, tons of light displays, a dancing tree farm, a live nativity, fireworks and much more!” Shari said.