By Mike Myers
“Christmas in the Night Time Skies” is an event that lights up more than the skies over Pocatello each November. It also lights up the faces of less fortunate children on Christmas morning.
Admission to the event is one new toy. Over the last 29 years, the event has collected over 45,000 toys which have been distributed around the community by the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program. For many children, the toy they receive from this event is the only one they will open on Christmas morning.
Farm Bureau Insurance has been a proud sponsor of this southeast Idaho holiday tradition since 1996.
“I love Farm Bureau,” says Vicki Jenkins, one of the event’s original organizers. “I’d be lost without Farm Bureau. The company is a huge part of Christmas in the Night Time Skies.”
Back in 1990, Jenkins wanted to do something that would “get the community together and help people have a nice Christmas.” The event was originally held at Kimberly Nursery in Chubbuck, then moved to the Bannock County Fairgrounds in Pocatello when the nursery closed in 1999.
Last year, the event collected close to 2,800 toys. “Some years it’s closer to 1,000,” Jenkins says. “Other years it’s closer to 3,000.” Jenkins is grateful she lives in a very giving community. “It does my heart good to see so many people share with those in need.”
This year’s “29th Annual Christmas in the Night Time Skies” will take place on Saturday, November 30, at the fairgrounds. Chili and hot dogs will be served from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Fireworks begin at 8:00 PM. Bonfires burn throughout the event.
If you would like more information, or would like to volunteer to help at the event, please contact Jenkins at (208) 406-2600.
“Thanks to Farm Bureau and this wonderful community,” Jenkins adds, “there will be many happy faces Christmas morning.”
