Rick Patrick, Greene Publishing, Inc.
Anyone in need of an early dose of Christmas spirit can simply drive about five miles north of the Madison city limits to the home of Bobby Roebuck. There you will see one of the most impressive displays of Christmas lights in North Florida. Featuring literally tens of thousands of lights all timed to a musical soundtrack that passers by can tune into on their car radios.
The show grew out of an experience that Roebuck and Joe Messer had several years ago. They were riding around Valdosta looking at Christmas lights and they happened upon a display that was set to music. Roebuck challenged Messer by saying, “I bet you can't do that.” Messer took that challenge and the next year had the foundation for the show that is currently running. This year makes the eighth year that the show has been produced, and every year the show has gotten bigger. This year's show is no exception. According to show designer Messer, the show builds every year as the technology advances. This year the show has two added songs, bringing the total number of songs featured in this year's show to 20, including a tribute to the armed forces and those serving at nearby Moody Air Force Base. From start to finish, the show takes approximately an hour and features many new lights in addition to favorites from previous years.
The show has grown to the point that it caught the attention of the producers of the ABC television show The Great Christmas Light Fight. However, after reviewing the contract for the show, Messer said they declined to participate; primarily because of the traffic problems it would likely cause on Colin Kelly Highway. Messer and Roebuck say they don't produce the show for any kind of fame or notoriety, and certainly not for any financial gain. They do not charge anything for people to watch the show, although they do take donations, which are given to the Pinetta Volunteer Fire Dept. “We do this for our family, we like to watch dancing Christmas lights. If others come to see it, that's okay,” said Messer. Messer said that he really likes to see the eyes of the children light up as they watch the show, which does carry a message. “[I] listen to the words and let the lights tell the story,” said Messer.
The light show takes place nightly at 6207 NE Colin Kelly Hwy., about five miles north of Madison. The show begins at 5:30 p.m. each evening. On Sunday through Thursday the show runs continuously until 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the show runs until 11 p.m. The show will run until New Year's Eve. People going to the show are urged to use caution when approaching the area, turn off their headlights and leave their parking lights on. Those with small children are asked to be very mindful of traffic on Colin Kelly Hwy.