T

The holiday spirit is shining bright at Tims Ford State Park in preparation for the inaugural Sleigh Bell Trail, transforming the main campground into a winter wonderland.

The free drive-thru event invites families to enjoy dazzling Christmas light displays while also offering a live Nativity scene.

The event starts on Saturday and will end on Dec. 11.

Nearly 50 participants have already signed up to transform their campsites into festive displays, creating the magic of the Sleigh Bell Trail.

The event’s special highlight will be the live Nativity scene this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 5-7 p.m., complete with full costumes and live animals, offering a meaningful reminder of the story at the heart of Christmas.

Organizers say they hope the event will grow into an annual tradition for Franklin County, bringing families back year after year to celebrate the season.   

Community members are invited to drive through the main campground to view the various Christmas light displays from 5-7 p.m. each night.

The vision for the Sleigh Bell Trail was sparked by Franklin County resident James Cantrell, who, after visiting a state park in Huntsville, Alabama, was inspired to bring the same kind of holiday magic home.

Determined to create a festive tradition for his neighbors, Cantrell made it his mission to see a similar event come to life in his own community and decided to reach out to park management.

“It’s an idea of mine that has come to life,” he said. “I never dreamed we would have so many participants our first year.

“The park rangers got behind me, and we’re going to do it. There’s going to be plenty of space, and people can stay warm in their cars. It’s really going to be nice. When you envision something and it comes to life, it feels really good.”

Tims Ford State Park Manager Shawn Settle and interim Park Ranger Kaylee Robinson showed enthusiasm to be backing the event, stating they are happy and excited to be a part of what will hopefully become a community tradition.

“Mr. Cantrell has been a really big contributor to this,” Robinson said. “We’re looking forward to a pretty big turnout, hopefully.

“We want people to come out, and we want to give kids a memory and hopefully maybe a tradition that we can start here at Tims Ford with the community, showcasing all of the businesses and just the community involvement and giving people something fun to do during the Christmas holidays.”