FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – Nov. 17, 2023 - Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) proudly announces its exclusive sponsorship of the 2023 Lights of the Ozarks Light Night and Parade, marking the event's 30th year of holiday tradition in Fayetteville.

As the most cherished celebration of holiday lights in Northwest Arkansas, Lights of the Ozarks begins on Friday, Nov. 17, with the spectacular Lighting Night at Fayetteville's Historic Downtown Square. The festive display will light up the square every evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., creating a captivating winter wonderland that is free and open to the public throughout December.

SWEPCO's commitment to enhancing community connections is reflected in its active participation in the Lights of the Ozarks Parade. Watch for SWEPCO's festively decorated bucket truck and electric vehicle, accompanied by enthusiastic employees who will walk the route to greet parade goers.

"We're thrilled to be part of the 30th anniversary celebration of Lights of the Ozarks," said Bradley Hardin, State Government Affairs Manager at SWEPCO. "Our festive display in the parade and the electrifying lights align with our commitment to brightening the communities we serve. This sponsorship is a testament to our dedication to fostering meaningful connections with our valued customers."

Don't miss the Lights of the Ozarks Light Night and Parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Bundle up, bring your loved ones and experience the magic of the season at Lights of the Ozarks on the historic Fayetteville Square.

Start Your Holiday Season With Electrical Safety Tips

Decorating your home or office is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. To help ensure a safe and happy holiday season, consider these electrical safety tips when decorating: 

1. Stay 10 feet away from overhead power lines.?Before putting up lights or other outdoor decorations, look up and stay clear of overhead power lines. Keep ladders, lights, tools and yourself at least 10 feet away from power lines. 
2. Inspect lights for damage before you use them.?Discard any tree lights and outdoor lights with frayed wires, loose connections and broken or cracked sockets. Use only lights and extension cords that are safety-certified by a recognized testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). 
3. Use proper indoor/outdoor decorations.?Select extension cords, lights and other decorations marked appropriately for indoor or outdoor use. 
4. Don’t overload outlets or extension cords. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Connect lights to power strips that have several outlets and a built-in circuit breaker. 
5. Don’t cover electrical cords.?Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs where daily walking and wear could cause fraying and overheating. 
6. Use only GFCI outlets outside.?Outdoor electrical lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). 
7. Keep lights off the ground.?Secure outdoor lights off the ground to keep plugs away from puddles and snow. 
8. Turn off lights when you leave the house or go to bed.?An automatic timer can also help ensure your holiday lights are off when you’re asleep or not home. Keeping lights on for shorter periods of time can also help prevent overheating. 

For more safety tips, visit?SWEPCO.com/Safety.