Due to the pandemic, 2020 has seen the cancellation of many community favorite events and celebrations, but one lady is making sure the holiday spirit is still alive and well in Muskingum County.

Michelle Dobbins, curator of the Dobbins Family Light Show, has worked to ensure that her annual event goes forward while adhering to social distancing and health requirements set forth by the state.

Dobbins, who along with her father, has been producing a holiday light show for over 40 years, said she hopes to help lift the spirits of area residents as many choose to forgo visiting family and friends this year.

Like every year before, Dobbins has added additional items to her growing collection of structures and lights, including a minion display which she hopes will receive additional fanfare with children.

With social distancing in mind, Dobbins used candy canes along the driveway and increased the distance of displays to ensure social distancing of visitors who choose to exit their vehicles.

At her event, which is planned for the evening of Saturday, December 19, Dobbins worked with area churches to coordinate the delivery of 50 USDA food boxes for area families in need.

She will also have over 760 freshly baked cookies and 300 gift bags for children who come to visit.

Due to concerns of COVID-19, items have been prepared and volunteers will be on-site for socially distanced distribution.

The tradition for Dobbins dates back over 40 years, when her father, Bud Dobbins, started with a small number of lights and grew it over the decades.

That yearly expansion grabbed the anticipation of the community who was always eager to see what would be added the following year.

As Bud, who is now in his 80s, grew older, he retired from the holiday project which would take weeks to construct turning it over for his daughter to carry on the tradition at her home.

“I just always liked lights,” said Bud humbly. “I always enjoyed watching the smiles of all the visitors who made it a tradition to stop by.”

Michelle said she couldn’t let such a time-honored family tradition stop when her father decided to retire from the “job.”

Now each year, Michelle tries to outdo her assortment of lights and structures which span over her property.

According to Michelle, work began near the end of October to be ready for the official lighting on Thanksgiving night.

With an estimated 60,000 lights over the acre of property, Michelle said an exact count would be almost impossible.

Bud chuckled reminiscing of the numerous times they have tried but to no avail.

“I think the impact of people just coming by just brightens their spirits,” said Michelle. “It gives them hope and joy, something that’s especially needed this year.”

The event will take place at 4380 Shimoda Lane in Zanesville on Saturday, December 19 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.