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The Covered Bridge in Elizabethton is serving as a beacon of light over a dark year.
New colors are shining bright as the sun goes down on Carter County’s town Christmas tree, and on the downtown area. Following the trend of the festive tree is the Covered Bridge.
“We decided to follow that new trend with the lights and do that in the Covered Bridge Park,” explained Mike Mains, director of Parks and Rec. “Another reason was because we know kids love colored lights.”
This breath of color added to the Christmas spirit in downtown and the bridge reflects onto the river, a key piece Mains notes that makes this display so beautiful.
This enhancement has not gone unnoticed by the public.
“People are going there, and families are coming and taking pictures with their kids,” he said. “It’s really been a great success that we have enjoyed being a part of.”
These beautiful lights come after months of research and planning, followed by installation. This enhancement to the park’s lighting came from an increase in funding by the City Council. Due to ongoing construction, lights could not be added to the Elk Ave. Bridge; lights were expanded throughout the park and into the trees instead (there was help from the Street Department on installation in the trees).
“We are just really pleased with the results we’ve seen,” he said. “Every year we try to add a little bit more with the lights in the park.”
Parks and Rec have served in this role for three years.
According to Mains, visiting these beautiful lights in the downtown area serves a bigger purpose, it allows one to look for the simple things in the heart of Elizabethton.
Mains hopes to include lights hanging from the bridge to add to the reflection as a final addition to the display. Down the road, there is hope to include music with such a display as well.
To maintain such a display, staff are there until the early morning watching over it.
Mains believes that now more than ever, the Covered Bridge and the park surrounding it, is the perfect place to escape the events of this year and spend some time with family, while enjoying the views of the river and light display.
“Being able to get away makes it even more special this year,” said Mains. “I hope people will enjoy what’s there.”