Small town in Calhoun County goes big for Christmas light show
All neighbors on one street take part in annual Christmas light display
DERMA, Miss. (WCBI) – Every night, a steady parade of vehicles follows the lights on North Strong Street in Derma.
The Christmas light show began when David and Teresa Martin moved in years ago, bringing their lights and decorations with them. It wasn’t long before neighbors on the street joined in.
No one knows how many lights and decorations make up the display.
“More than we care to say we have got sometimes,” said Judy Tedford, who is part of the neighborhood Christmas light show. All seven homes on the street take part and work begins in October, and the display gets bigger each year. There are traditional decorations, such as the manger scene, and then some unique displays.
“The ghost of Christmas past, one guy thought I should name it his wife, that’s what she looks like when she comes home from shopping,” Tedford said.
Visitors taking the driving tour of the Christmas lights also have an opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer.
“We collect food, nonperishable, that and money for the Calhoun County, food bank, needy families can go get assistance,” Tedford said.
Other residents of North Strong Street said they are amazed when all the decorations are in place and the large crowds start driving in to see the light show.
“It is my first year, I like seeing all the decorations Mrs. Judy had, I didn’t know she had that many, didn’t know she could fit that many in her shed,” said Dylan Rogers.
“Putting it up was a little stressful, but I love helping out and being with family and seeing the joy on the kids’ faces every year,” said Jaicon Carpenter.
And when they’re finished seeing the light show, kids can get their photo made with The Grinch, with a little coaxing from the Grinch’s helpers.
The Christmas lights stay up until the New Year. You can see them nightly on North Strong Street unless it’s raining.
