By JOHN KANELIS / johnkanelis_92@hotmail.com

Farmersville (Texas) Mayor Bryon Wiebold had this notion that one way to bring smiles to the faces of community residents who have endured one of the most miserable years in memory was to light up the city he leads with Christmas lights.

So, he persuaded the City Council to approve a resolution establishing a program called Farmersville Lights. Judging from what I saw tonight while touring Farmersville Parkway and the downtown square is that the mayor’s idea is paying off … in spades!

The city turned on the lights on Dec. 1. They’ll shine in the city until the end of the month. Wiebold hopes it becomes an annual event. I share his hope for a bright future for Farmersville and its effort to bring a little holiday cheer to its residents and those of us who come to visit the city and enjoy the lights.

Indeed, my wife and I drove from our home in Princeton and, oh yes, we had our granddaughter and her parents, who came from Allen to take a peek at the holiday lights.

Farmersville Lights is being financed through a number of donations from businesses throughout the city. Wiebold received commitments for sponsorships, went to the council for its approval and the program took off.

I want to offer a round of applause for the City Council’s endorsement of the mayor’s idea. Rest assured, I saw more than a few smiles on the faces of those who enjoyed the lights as this lousy year draws to a welcome close.

I have this sense that a lot of communities all across our great land are reaping the benefits of similar programs this time of year. I mean, when we endure a nasty presidential election in the midst of a deadly pandemic, how can any city in America miss the chance to put smiles on people’s faces?

Well done, Mr. Mayor and City Council!