Date: Jan 20, 2022
Shipshewana, IN — Shipshewana hosted visitors from all over the area taking the opportunity to enjoy their spectacular display of holiday light scenes this past Christmas Season. Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy, featuring more than two million LED Christmas lights displayed in a one-and- a-half-mile-long symphony of spectacular light scenes was a welcomed stop for families once again looking for fun, unique and safe things to do over the holidays. With their help, Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy was able to give back to 9 local organizations making a positive difference in the community.
Pictured Above: L-R: Back Row: Tracy Harker (Chief Deputy of the Sheriff’s Office); Kyrie Hernandezpeterson (Boomerang Backpacks, Inc.); Ryan Riegsecker (Blue Gate Hospitality/Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy); and John Sisson (LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity) Front Row: Kathy Dunafin (Elijah Haven); Carlos Jasso (Lieutenant, Shipshewana Police Department); Allisa Brown (LaGrange County Night to Shine); and Christine, Marisa & Holly Yoder (Compassion Pregnancy Center of LaGrange) Not Available for Photo: (Blessings in a Backpack & The Arc of LaGrange County
Shipshewana Trading Place and Blue Gate Hospitality brought the holiday experience to town for the 4th year and the season offered an opportunity to spotlight some local organizations along the way. 9 different non-profits received $500 each to aid in their missions right here in Shipshewana and the surrounding areas. The local organizations supported this season included LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity, LaGrange County Night to Shine, Boomerang Backpacks, Inc, Blessings in a Backpack, Elijah Haven, Compassion Pregnancy Center of LaGrange and The Arc of LaGrange County, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Reserve Fund and the Shipshewana Police Department.
“Shipshewana area residents are always willing to step up to the challenge of helping those in need. They more than proved themselves again this season, while getting the chance to enjoy Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy,” said Ryan Riegsecker, president of Blue Gate Hospitality.
“We are thrilled to be part of such a giving community and proud to be a part of this extra fundraising opportunity that helps these organizations by supporting our community throughout the year.” said Brian Lambright, Business Development Director of Shipshewana Trading Place.
Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy sets up each November and December on the grounds of the Shipshewana RV Park and winds back and forth through numerous displays. Visitors enter the grounds of the Shipshewana Flea Market on SR 5 and drive through the 1.5-mile course of Christmas light scenes, exiting onto C.R. 200 North.
“Shipshewana is an amazing community and because the town is already such a festive place and hosts many special holiday events during the Christmas season, families have a unique opportunity to make this part of their holiday traditions.” organizers stated.
For more information on Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy, visit ShipshewanaLightsofJoy.com or find the Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy page on Facebook.
