Lighting Up Nevada with Positivity and Community Spirit
What started as a simple Facebook post has turned into one of Nevada’s most heartwarming community success stories — the Nevada Christmas Lights Project. When negativity started to surface online last year about the lack of decorations, local resident Traci Cliffman decided to change the conversation. “Instead of adding to the negativity, I stepped up and said I would take the lead to do my best to make it happen,” she shared.
That one post sparked a movement. With an initial $500 donation from Monte Curtis, the idea quickly grew into a full community effort. Today, the project has blossomed into a dedicated committee made up of Traci Cliffman, Richard Brockman, Adrienne Lee, Beth Stewart, Mike Turnbull, and Teryn Ast — all working together to bring extra holiday sparkle to Nevada.
A Community Fueled by Positivity
Traci says the outpouring of support from the community has been beyond anything she imagined. “I never dreamed we would raise $35,000 in that short amount of time! What a great community we have!” she said.
From residents and business owners to local volunteers, the spirit of giving and teamwork has been inspiring. Donations have come in quietly, sometimes without names attached — a true reflection of how much Nevada values positivity and shared pride in their town.
Teamwork Makes It Shine
The success of this project has been a community-wide effort. “It’s not been one person or group that made this succeed... it’s been multiple,” Traci emphasized. The team has received help from Rocky and Heather Stone, Jordan Herren, the City of Nevada, Vernon County Commissioners, and Road and Bridge, all providing equipment, time, and manpower to help bring the decorations to life.
Building Brighter Every Year
The goal is simple — to expand the decorations a little more each year. This season, the committee added the east part of Austin Boulevard and plans to continue west in the future. Because many of the poles on Austin didn’t have electricity, the team worked closely with Evergy to gain permission to use the poles and hired Cash Electric to install outlets.
While the project has raised impressive funds, Traci explains that each lighted pole decoration costs between $400–$900, plus the additional hardware and installation expenses. “This project is expensive,” she said, “but we plan to maintain and store them safely so they can be enjoyed for years to come.”
How to Get Involved
The Nevada Christmas Lights Project is fueled by community support and positivity — and there’s always room for more helpers! Donations can be made in person at First National Bank (c/o Traci – please note “Christmas Downtown”) or mailed to:
Community Foundation
PO Box 411
Nevada, MO 64772
Please note: Christmas Downtown
Traci also welcomes anyone who wants to lend a hand. “If anyone has ideas, would like to help put up or take down decorations, or assist in any way — please reach out to me!”
The Heart of Nevada
The Nevada Main Street Alliance is proud to celebrate efforts like these that remind us how powerful positivity and teamwork can be. What began as one person’s decision to lift the tone of a Facebook conversation has now lit up our entire community — proving that when Nevada comes together, we shine a little brighter.
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