Date: Dec 19, 2023
Shipshewana, IN — Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy, a 1.8 mile-long symphony of spectacular holiday light scenes, gives back to local backpack food programs facilitated by the area schools and supported by the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce making a positive difference in the community.
Pictured Above: L-R: Sara Patrick, LaGrange County Chamber; Carolyn Schlabach and Stephanie Oakley, Westview Jr./Sr. High Applied Skills; Alice Bremer, Prairie Heights High School; Traci Blaize, Lakeland School Corporation; and Phil Heyerly, Blue Gate Hospitality.
Shipshewana hosts visitors from all over the region taking the opportunity to enjoy their spectacular display of holiday light scenes during the Christmas Season. Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy, featuring more than two and a half million LED Christmas lights displayed in a 1.8 mile-long symphony of spectacular light scenes is a welcomed stop for families looking for fun, unique and safe things to do over the holidays.
Shipshewana Trading Place and Blue Gate Hospitality are bringing the holiday experience to town for the 6th year and the season offered an opportunity to support a very important set of local organizations along the way. 3 different school systems received funds of $900 total to aid in their backpack food programs supported through the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce.
“Shipshewana residents and our visitors from all over the region are always so willing to step up to the challenge of helping those who need it most. They prove year-after-year this missional mindset, while getting the chance to enjoy Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy,” said Ryan Riegsecker, president of Blue Gate Hospitality.
“We are proud to be part of such a giving community and humbled to be a part of this extra fundraising opportunity that helps organizations like Boomerang Backpacks, Inc, and Blessings in a Backpack 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, this year adding another half mile to the Christmas Light Drive-Thru Experience. Visitors enter the grounds of the Shipshewana Flea Market on SR 5 and drive through the 1.8-mile course of Holiday light scenes, exiting onto C.R. 200 North.
“Shipshewana is a truly amazing community and because the town is already such a festive location 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.
