Nothing sets the holiday spirit in motion like a display of colorful lights. The Center Hill Lake Light Fest is back this year after a successful run last year.
“Over 800 people drove through the holiday tour of lights at the Retreat at Center Hill Lake last year,” said event coordinator Elizabeth Thompson. The Retreat is located in adjoining DeKalb County on the lake, approximately 27 miles from McMinnville.
Lighted decorations adorn most of the buildings, dozens of trees, and elves are everywhere. Throughout the drive, there will be hidden elves to find, and all participants will be entered to win a nightly drawing. Each night there will be a drawing for a gift card to a local business.
Businesses from the area have agreed to participate in the Light Fest by decorating a cabin or area along the route. Spots are still available to decorate if anyone is interested in being part of this fun event, and they can contact The Retreat.
The Army Corps of Engineers, Cash Express, Business and Professional Women’s Club and Treasures on Main will be decorating cabins, and JBeez Watercraft is set to light up the dock with holiday cheer.
On Saturday nights there will be holiday entertainment, as well as roasting marshmallows over a hot fire at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater, and free hot chocolate is available for all. The entertainment will include caroling on Dec. 2 by a local church youth group, and musical performances by Julie Ford. Additional plans are being finalized for Light Fest.
The Retreat at Center Hill Lake is a non-profit, owned and operated by Timothy Hill. Timothy Hill Retreat Centers offer beautiful, Christ-centered environments where families and groups can be refreshed and renewed. Hill has a long history of working with youth that are at risk and is currently developing a vocational training program here in Tennessee.
The Retreat at Center Hill Lake is located at 358 Relax Drive, off Hwy. 56 in Smithville. Look for the Light Fest sign on right before Hurricane Bridge.
The Light Fest is scheduled to run Thursdays through Sundays, starting Nov. 30 and running through Dec. 23, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. A charge of $10 per car is required to drive through the display. The Retreat’s number is 615-597-4298, and can be reached at www.retreatatcenterhilllake.com.