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Fantasy of Lights brings holiday excitement to Wichita Falls

Kara McIntyre

November 21, 2016

The Fantasy of Lights is open from dusk until 11 p.m. Nov. 21 – Dec. 25

Melissa McIntyre plays flute in the University Wind Ensemble Fantasy of Lights concert Nov. 21. Photo by Topher McGehee

The MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights opened Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. with chimes from the Hardin Bell Tower. Then, two minutes before the scheduled 6 p.m. start time, University President Suzanne Shipley, came out, welcomed the crowed of about 200, turned on the lights and welcomed the guest of honor — Santa Claus.

All went according to plan.

Except Santa, played by Wichita Falls County Judge Woody Gossom, Jr., wanted to turn on the lights.

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The $80,893 light setup has been on display at MSU since Dec. 4, 1974. Originally a family tradition of Wichita Falls locals Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Burns, Archer City offered the display to MSU on the condition that it be free of charge to the public as a memorial to the Burns family. The 20,000 lights and 35 displays are all paid for by private funds and donations, and 13 new displays have been added since MSU took over the Fantasy of Lights in 1974.

“Well there are over 20,000 lights strung around campus, as well as out there on the displays. [My favorite part of the Fantasy of Lights] is just seeing the excitement, the joy in everyone that comes out and walks through. It just really helps me capture that youthful spirit in that moment, in the holiday spirit…so it really makes it ring true for me,” Dirk Welch, director of the career management center and Fantasy of Lights coordinator, said.

Welch was given the task of coordinating the Fantasy of Lights in September, 2016. After a culmination of ideas from various people, the Holiday Spectacular was added to the list of events for MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights on Dec. 3.

3 p.m.: Holiday Gala in Akin Auditorium
5 p.m.: MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run in Hardin Administration lawn
5-8 p.m.: Food trucks will be stationed adjacent to the lights
7 p.m.: Holiday Gala in Akin Auditorium
7 p.m.: Elf movie showing in Legacy Hall

Welch smiled when asked about his experience with coordinating this annual MSU tradition.

“I was approached back in September about being the coordinator for this, and I was excited to be given the opportunity. It was an honor and privilege to be asked because it’s a big undertaking and really impacts the community of MSU as well as the surrounding area. I’ve loved seeing the passion of the volunteers and watching the joy it brings to the people who come to see the lights — the smiles on their faces, the giggles, etc. It makes it doubly worth being part of it,” Welch said.

Welch explained that all of these events give exposure to MSU and connects people together.

“It’s estimated that more than 200,000 people visit the exhibition throughout the season. It provides MSU, Wichita Falls community and surrounding areas with a Hallmark type of activity because it is one of the largest holiday displays of its kind. It brings in people from outside the area to come and visit, which can certainly help the community and has a potential economic impact. It also showcases MSU in a positive way and helps the university gain exposure in a different sort of way, which benefits us overall,” Welch said.

COMMENTS

“Peter Pan [is my favorite] because I was obsessed with Peter Pan when I was little, so it’s pretty cool how they did that one.” | Amelia Ecevido, pre-pharmacy sophomore

Shelby Emerson, early education junior, said, “I like the Cinderella one just because its Cinderella. I came last year and it’s still my favorite.” | Shelby Emerson, early education junior

“This is my first time being here, and first time seeing [the lights] on. It makes MSU pretty; it makes it more magical. Locals come here and enjoy the lights, and come see the main building.” | Christopher Cruz, theater performance sophomore

“There are figurines in one of them, and they’re super lifelike. They really freaked me out at first because I thought they were real people.” | Ciera Wolinski, biology senior

“This is rad. This is so lit.” | Tanner Conley, business sophomore

“These lights are beautiful. They’re brighter than my future.” | Rahul Joshi, finance sophomore

Additional reporting by Kelsey Purcell, Alyssa Mitchell, and Jeanette Perry.

The Fantasy of Lights is open from dusk until 11 p.m. Nov. 21 – Dec. 25

Fantasy of Lights 2016

University President Suzanne Shipley welcomes the crowd of about 200 people to the Fantasy of Lights. Photo by Kara McIntyre.

Woodrow "Woody" Gossom, Jr., Wichita Falls county judge, and Suzanne Shipley, university president, pose for photos before Fantasy of Lights opening ceremony on Nov. 21. Gossom, Jr. plays Santa Claus. Photo by Kara McIntyre

Preston Busby criminal justice sophomore, Baylee Wichlan music education junior, Xavier Alexander vocal performance sophomore and Lilliana Lopes respitory junior discuss the fantasy of lights. Photo by Topher McGehee

Melissa McIntyre plays flute in the University Wind Ensemble Fantasy of Lights concert Nov. 21. Photo by Topher McGehee

Joshua Poling plays bass clarinet in the University Wind Ensemble Fantasy of Lights concert. Photo by Topher McGehee

Mallory Rice psychology junior, Jessica Wollenberger mass communication junior, Ciera Wolinski senior biology, and Aryn Edwards biology senior discuss their joy for the fantasy of lights. Photo by Topher McGehee

Abigail Riley a Bradford elementary student hugs the blue bear at fantasy of lights. Photo by Topher McGehee

Aryn Edwards general business sophomore and Mallory Rice psychology junior enjoy seeing the peter pan display at the fantasy of lights. Photo by Topher McGehee

About 200 people attend the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights which opened Nov. 21. Photo by Kara McIntyre.

About the Contributor

Kara McIntyre, Former Editor in Chief

Kara McIntyre is the former Editor in Chief for The Wichitan. She graduated with a degree in mass communication. She's been involved with newspaper since her sophomore year in high school, where she served as sports editor and assistant editor-in-chief. She started working for The Wichitan after taking Dr. Wilson's media reporting and writing class, serving as managing editor for one semester before taking over as editor in fall 2016 until December 2017. She was also the director of career and personal development in Chi Omega sorority, where she's been a member for the last three years and fulfilled two other leadership positions — director of public relations and director of community service. Her areas of interest include investigative reporting, journalism, reading, Netflix and loving all the dogs in the world.