Once upon a time, Angie Shockley, Program Director for Anniston Parks and Recreation, wanted to show her mom all the lights she'd worked hard to display along Quintard Avenue in Anniston. To Angie's delight, her mom hopped in the car to see. To Angie's dismay, her mom was unimpressed with multi-colored lights. "Is this all there is? Turn around."Years later, Angie honors her mother's love of clear lights as she and the parks and recreation staff begin to decorate Quintard each November. As you drive or walk along Quintard, you may notice the various multicolored scenes until you get to the block between 13th and 14th. There, clear Lights illuminate each tree, and a blue angel is seen centered on the grassy knoll of the median. The clear lights are in memory of Angie's mother and other Parks and Recreation staff family members who have passed away. The blue angel is symbolic for Police Officer Justin Sollohub, who was killed in the line of duty in Anniston on August 25th, 2011. The blue lights represent the blue line, as a memorial to Sollohub and in honor of his connection to those who continue serve today.
Stop by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors to admire the work the Parks and Recreation Staff does each holiday season, reflect on your own holiday memories, and pause to remember."Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance — each beautiful, unique..." ~Deborah Whipp
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