Roger and Lana Schmidt ran a light display in McGregor, which drew crowds from across Texas and won ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”, for 22 years. When they decided to retire their display last year, the Waco Shriners took on the sizable collection.
Now, the Shriners are running the a new month-long event, Feztival of Lights, where visitors can see most of the familiar lights, signs and inflatables on display.
“Knowing that all the work and effort that [the Schmidt’s] put into it for two decades is going to continue out here, we’re just honored to be able to keep that going and growing,” Chief Rabban Travis Roberson said.
The display this year has expanded from drive through only to include a drive through, walking trail and train ride options for families to enjoy the display.
Also new this year: a scavenger hunt “to keep the kids occupied looking for various things throughout the Christmas displays,” Roberson said.
The Feztival is open every night in December, except Christmas, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Admission is free, but concessions are available for sale. Roberson says the reaction from families is enough for the Shriners.
“Shriners help families,” he said. “To see the smiles on the kiddos faces is just, that right there is enough.”
With the donation from another family in Conroe, the Shriners expect the display to be even bigger next year.
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
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