Ribbons of lights twinkle in silver and gold. Trees. Stars. A sleigh. The light display at Mustard Seed Hill attracted thousands of people last year, part of the plan to make the spot a destination. This year, organizers expect thousands of people again – masked and at a distance -- for the outdoor event they call "Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill." After all, light is something you can see from far away. Light brings hope. Plus, it's a good reminder for families that free, socially distanced activities still exist this season.
Mustard Seed Hill, formerly the campus of the Millersburg Military Institute in Millersburg, Kentucky, stretches over 14 acres and was once the economic heart of the community. Community Ventures Corp, a NeighborWorks America organization, purchased the property in 2016. For the light display, they fill half of the space with lights. This year, there will also be a luminaria display. "It's interactive, as much as it can be with COVID-19," says Brian Hutchinson, chief development officer at Community Ventures. "People can make their own." The site also includes a custom-made nativity scene, 16 feet tall and 55 feet wide.
To create the light display, Community Ventures partnered with people in the area who had worked with places like Paramount and Dollywood. An outdoor market for local vendors is another attraction. Choirs will perform throughout the month. 
Because of the pandemic, families and individuals sign up for time slots so there aren't too many people strolling the grounds at any given time. The free event was at capacity one recent Saturday evening, and Hutchinson says he expects that to happen again. The nonprofit hopes bringing people to the site will get them used to visiting the community. The site is also an economic incubator.
"The event is going remarkably well," Hutchinson says. "Wide media coverage through Lexington news sources really boosted that attendance." He says they've worked closely with the local health department in establishing guidelines.
The event also features a gingerbread house display. While the competition, held Dec. 3, was large scale – nearly 100 people entered – this is another event families and friends can mimic and attempt on their own, sharing the results virtually. Have relatives who aren't up to making gingerbread? Ask them to serve as celebrity judges, forging a connection. (Mustard Seed welcomed Damaris Phillips, a Louisville chef and host of the Food Network's Southern and Hungry with Rutledge Wood and The Bobby and Damaris Show with Bobby Flay, as their celebrity judge.)
"We wanted to do something for the community," Hutchison says. "We have an interest in MIllersburg and it's important for the revitalization efforts to bring people to that town." The campus, which hosts the KY Natural Fiber Center and a studio for KY Wool Works, is underutilized, so there's plenty of room for community activities.
"There's a tourism element," Hutchinson says. "We need to bring people to town and do it in a wholesome way."
Hutchinson says people in the community have a palpable pride "that this event is taking place at their home. It's exciting. We also have a renewed chance to tell Community Venture's story and that of our interest in this town and this campus."
The Christmas market, in the open air, is a way to boost artisans who have seen a loss of business this year.
"I very much appreciated the opportunity to be able to set up with them," says Allysha Edmond, owner of The Carlisle Market, a "Kentucky-proud, Appalachian-proud" shop that sells locally made products. "They had an outdoor event, which gave us a chance to tap into customers we couldn't have had because of COVID-19."
Edmond set up merchandise in her tent that included products made from bourbon barrels, toys, jewelry, candles and ornaments. Her shop is only about five miles from Mustard Seed Hill, Edmond says, but over the past few weekends, they still met many people who hadn't yet encountered their boutique. "It was good exposure," she says. "We've done really well there."
Events like those sponsored by Community Ventures serve as a reminder to keep doing things outside, too, even as the weather gets colder.
"During COVID-19, finding creative and safe ways to keep communities and families connected while following COVID guidelines will be key in supporting our future recovery efforts," says Romi Hall, director of healthy homes and communities for NeighborWorks America. "The way Community Ventures has challenged themselves to do this work at this time will support keeping community connections alive, while re-creating an economic and social anchor for their community, bringing hope for the future."
12/11/2020
