Starry Nights display poised to attract regional attention

From the Commercial Appeal

by Don Wade

It isn't enough to again flip the switch on Starry Nights. Those behind the Christmas light show at Shelby Farms, which returns next Friday night, hope the lights shine bright enough to bring national attention.

"Based on our research, we should be in the Top 10 Light Shows in the United States after our first year," said Laura Adams, deputy director of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. "We believe we're the only major light show done entirely with LED lights.

"There's been a lot of anticipation about Starry Nights coming back (after a 10-year absence). There's a buzz. I think we'll attract locally this year, but after our first year we should attract regionally."

Two of the Top 10 Light Shows, according to americasbestonline.net, are in Tennessee: Smoky Mountain Winterfest (No. 4) and Chattanooga's Enchanted Garden of Lights (No. 8.). The top-rated light show is the display at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.

At the point Starry Nights went dark after the 1999 show, Adams said the event averaged 1,000 cars per night for 37 nights, each car averaging four passengers. That works out to 148,000 visitors.

"We think that's completely realistic," she said.

The first-year net profit goal, which includes revenue from the show and sponsorships, is $364,000, Adams said, adding that they have a multi-year agreement with presenting sponsor First Tennessee.

The cost per car this year is $20. There are more than two dozen displays spread across a 1.5 mile loop.

Adams said they had several one-time expenses this year, with the 1.5 million LED lights costing more than $100,000. But the lights use 85 percent less electricity and are more durable. The expected light bill this year: just $1,500.

Reb Haizlip of Midtown's Haizlip Studios again drew the designs for the animated exhibits.

"From a material standpoint, it's all new," he said. "The whole show was broken apart and sold to various organizations across the country. From the content side, we decided to repeat some things because they had become icons."

But Haizlip seems especially excited about the new designs that tie in with the park's conservation mission.

One exhibit will feature a "mythological wind character" that blows air to turn a wind mill. Another exhibit will capture the seasonal changes, with flowers blooming and leaves falling from trees.

"At the end, a big sleigh with Santa Claus rises out of the sunset," he said.

Other new features include a special bike, walk and run event on Nov. 30 when the show will be closed to cars. A gift shop has been added and there will be limited concessions.

The show also has a mascot: Sparkle the Fox. Holiday music from local artists will be available by tuning your car radio to a designated FM station.

Some 2,000 volunteers have been involved in bringing back Starry Nights, including Boy Scouts, women inmates, and Tennessee Tech welding instructor Beau Karney and his students.

"They were very enthusiastic," Karney said of his students, who did the welding on several exhibits, including the popular "rolling balls" display. "They're looking forward to seeing it work."

--Don Wade: 529-2358

Starry Nights

When: Nov. 27, 2009 -- Jan. 2, 2010. Mon.-Thur. from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri-Sun. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Cost: $20 per car, SUV or truck; $35 per shuttle; $50 per minibus; $150 per motor coach.

Special event: Nov. 30, exhibit closed to cars for a special Run, Walk & Bike event. Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for children 10 and under.

Advance tickets: May be purchased at First Tennessee Bank locations. Vehicles with advance tickets may enter the park off Mullins Station. All others must enter at main entrance near Walnut Grove Road.