FINAL GLOW: Walt Disney World in Orlando announced Friday that this will be the last year for the Osborne family's Christmas lights to be displayed at Disney's Hollywood Studios. After this season, the space is to be used for Star Wars and Toy Story themed areas; construction is set for next year.
The lights have been a Christmas tradition at the theme park for the past 20 years. The display features millions of lights synchronized to holiday music.
Disney World obtained the lights after the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that Jennings Osborne could no longer adorn his Cantrell Road home in Little Rock with the 3.2 million red lights. The lights controversy arose after Osborne's neighbors complained about traffic gridlock created by carloads of people driving past to see the lights. Some neighbors filed a lawsuit in 1993 and won, forcing Osborne to remove most of his decorations. He unsuccessfully appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court and to the U.S. Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case.
In the late 1990s, Osborne began a smaller Christmas lights display at Graceland, Elvis Presley's home in Memphis.
Osborne died in 2011 from complications after heart surgery.
"Our heartfelt thanks go out to the family of Jennings Osborne for letting us share their family tradition year after year," states a post on the Disney Parks blog. "And thank you to all of you for being part of the spectacle with us. Here's to making more memories in this, the 20th and final year."
Osborne's daughter, Breezy Osborne-Wingfield, told Orlando Attractions magazine Friday:
"My family and I are more than grateful for the opportunity and experiences that Disney World has given to us, and most of all, given to millions and millions of people around the world. My greatest childhood memory was able to live on for an additional 20 years and it was also able to be experienced by so many -- something you can't really put into words unless you've walked under that incredible glow."
IN THEATERS NOW: Conway native Bobby Batson, 7, a child actor, appears in the film 90 Minutes in Heaven, which opened in theaters Friday. Bobby began acting in national commercials and local TV productions when he was 5.
The faith-based film is based on a true story and New York Times bestselling book by Don Piper, who was initially declared dead by first responders after his car was hit by a semi truck, but he survived with memories of experiencing heaven. Bobby is cast as the son of the Pipers, portrayed by Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth.
Bobby lives in Georgia with his parents, Rachel and John.
ARKIE VOICE: Marion native singer/songwriter Barrett Baber has announced, via Twitter, that he auditioned for the ninth season of NBC's singing competition show The Voice. He adds that those interested in seeing how he did should watch the show's premiere on Sept. 21.
Contact Linda S. Haymes at (501) 399-3636 or lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
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