They’re seeing the lights at Rockingham Speedway and Entertainment Complex.
An extensive display of Christmas lights, created by Dasher’s Designs, has been bringing visitors to the racing venue this holiday season. Known for decorating exteriors of private homes with seasonal lighting, Dasher’s decided to bring its work to a wider audience in 2022.
“There really aren’t too may options in the area,” Alison Richardson, who, along with her husband, Josh, owns Dasher’s Designs, said. “We’re trying to put something out for the local community.”
The Christmas Light Show, which began Dec. 2, runs until Jan. 1. Featuring more than 300 displays covering 3 miles, the attraction includes a Christmas village from Thursdays through Sundays. Visitors view the lights solely from their vehicles Mondays through Wednesdays.
While visiting the Christmas Village, patrons can meet with Santa Claus, have hot chocolate and warm apple cider, and buy holiday goods from local vendors.
“Santa has been a huge hit,” Alison said. “Kids who are normally hesitant with Santa are opening up with him.”
From the elevated Christmas Village, visitors enjoy a special take on the scenery.
“The whole show can be seen as a backdrop,” Alison, who’s originally from Ohio, said. “It’s a really nice backdrop.”
Due to it being their first run at Rockingham, Alison and Josh had to hit another gear to get things moving.
“We only had 10 days to set up,” Alison said. “We had to be very quick and fast. We were taking a risk because you never know what kind of traction you’ll get. This is the first time we’ve had a venue.”
Depending on traffic, it takes between 20-30 minutes to tour the show by vehicle. There’s no limit in terms of how many people can be in a car or truck.
“People can pack in as many as they want,” Alison said. “We’ve even had limousines and busses go through.”
So far, the show, like the work Dasher’s does for homeowners, has been a hit.
“Everybody loves it,” Alison said. “It shows how much they appreciate the spirit of the holiday.”
When it comes to putting up Christmas lights, not everybody has the ability or inclination to design a display. Work and other responsibilities make finding the necessary time difficult.
Alison knows what Dasher’s does isn’t necessarily a necessity.
“I always get a little nervous. It’s not a need,” she said. “This is a luxury service. Thankfully, it’s going really, really well. Neighborhoods are getting brighter every year.”
Since launching in 2020, most of the company’s business has been in Moore County. But they have expanded onto new turf.
“We’re starting to gain traction in other areas,” Alison said.
Dasher’s Designs is located at 3803 US-1 in Vass.
To learn more about the Christmas Light Show, go to: https://rockingham-speedway.com/.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Dave Lukow.
All photos contributed.
