“A bright spot in the community”
Behind the scenes of Brandenburg’s Christmas by the River
BRANDENBURG
“Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. It’s such a magical time for children,” says Shannon Stull, Riverfront Park events coordinator for the city of Brandenburg. “For me personally, it’s the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Since 2019, Stull, a Meade County RECC consumer-member, has organized Christmas by the River, Brandenburg’s annual lighted Christmas display event. “I start planning for the event in January,” explains Stull. “Planning is always in motion because it is such a big event for our community.”
Christmas by the River first began in 1998 with only 20,000 mini lights. The event—now in its 27th season—has grown steadily throughout the years and kicks off on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving with some old-fashioned family fun. On opening day, there are train rides, a carousel, an iceless skating rink, vendors, fireworks and more. Then, at dusk, Santa flips a switch.
A carousel is one of the family favorite activities. Photo: Rylee Stull
“That’s when all the magic happens, and the lights come on,” says Stull. This year, there are more than 100 lighted displays sponsored by area businesses, churches and civic organizations. The displays—boasting around 150,000 twinkling bulbs—line the entire riverfront, transforming downtown Brandenburg into a vibrant holiday wonderland. Visitors can stroll along the sidewalk or opt to drive beneath lighted canopies to see the displays.
Stull says her favorite part of the event is “the anticipation of seeing families together for a day of fun to start their holiday season.” And she notes that cruising along the riverfront while taking in the lighted displays gives families a break from hectic holiday schedules to enjoy spending time together.
Brandenburg Mayor David Pace hopes the downtown riverfront will be the backdrop for this family-friendly event for years to come. “It’s a bright spot in the community,” Pace says. “Everybody looks forward to it.”
Stull summarizes what Christmas by the River means to the Brandenburg community in just one word: joy. “Knowing we are bringing something to the table that will put joy on children’s faces makes all the planning and time worth it,” she says.
Christmas by the River runs nightly from dusk to midnight through January 1. There’s no cost to visit, but donations are welcome. To learn more, call Brandenburg City Hall (270) 422-4981, visit www.brandenburg.ky.gov, or find Brandenburg City Hall on Facebook.
AMY COBB is the author of two book series for children, Band Geeks and Libby Wimbley.
