This year, the Argentine Betterment Corporation (ABC) wanted to take a moment to reflect on the rich history of holiday traditions in the Argentine community—where it all began, how it’s grown, and the bright future that lies ahead. For decades, the holidays have brought joy, connection, and a sense of unity to Argentine, making it a cherished time of year for our community.
A Bright Start in the 1950s
The tradition of holiday decorations in Argentine began many decades ago, thanks to the Argentine Activities Association (AAA), a group of local businesses dedicated to enhancing community life. Under the leadership of John Pettey, AAA invested in Christmas lights to adorn Strong Avenue. The iconic lights were designed and handcrafted by Frank and Dixie Mann, who brought a magical glow to our neighborhood streets.
In the 1990s, a handful of new decorations were added to the display, continuing the tradition of spreading holiday cheer.
Carrying the Torch: ABC Takes the Lead
In the 2010s, the Argentine Betterment Corporation (ABC) assumed responsibility for managing the community's holiday lights. Over the years, ABC has worked to preserve and enhance the display, including last year’s initiative to refurbish the older decorations with new LED lights. Thanks to the dedication of Daniel Macias and Stanion Electric, the transformation began.
While ABC Youth Leaders continued refurbishing lights this summer and fall, the Villa Argentine Neighborhood Association (VANA) stepped up to further elevate the holiday spirit. In 2024, VANA partnered with Hoot Mann, the son of Frank and Dixie Mann, to refurbish 10 older decorations with brand-new garland and LED lights. They also purchased four stunning new decorations for Strong Avenue: two stockings and two poinsettias.
This year, with a combined effort from VANA, ABC Youth Leaders, and community partners, a total of 40 dazzling lights now adorn Strong Avenue, bringing holiday magic back to life like never before.
A Community Lighting Tradition Since 1997
The annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, held each November, has been a beloved event since 1997. It was originally started by local neighborhood organizations, including Villa Argentine Neighborhood Association (VANA), Southwest Argentine Neighborhood (SWAN), East Argentine Neighborhood Association (EANA), and South Argentine Neighborhood Association (SANA), as a way to bring the community together in celebration of the season.
This year, ABC and VANA collaborated to bring back the full decorations for the community gazebo, a feature that had been missing for many years. While VANA plans to introduce a brand-new backdrop for the gazebo in 2025, this year saw the return of decorations for the big tree—something that hadn’t been done in years. New City Church KCK and Tom Valverde added their creative touch by decorating additional trees, including small ones near the fire station and planter boxes.
A Night to Remember
This year’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of community effort and joy. Santa Claus made a grand entrance on a fire truck, and a young volunteer helped flip the switch to illuminate the lights. Santa visited with children, who each received treats, while volunteers from SWAN and other friends handed out cookies. The Knights of Columbus warmed everyone up with hot cocoa, and New City Church played live music and delighted kids with s’mores around a cozy fire.
Thanks to contributions from SWAN, ABC, New City Church KCK, Franklin Center Inc., and generous donors, the event featured giveaways of five bikes, board games, blankets, cash prizes for parents, and more, making the night unforgettable for many families.
Thankful for all the hard work
The decorations and festivities wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers, organizations, and donors. As we enjoy the beauty of the season, let’s remember to treat the decorations with care and respect the effort that went into making the holidays special for everyone in Argentine.
This year’s celebration is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community. With each light that glimmers on Strong Avenue, Argentine shines brighter—past, present, and future.
THANK YOU!
The Christmas decorations on Strong Ave. and in Emerson Park were sponsored by: Impact grant, Lowes, Sally and Ramon Murguia, Sen. Pat Pettey, Rep. Dr. Melissa Oropeza, Greg and Katie Rico, Phil Lopez, Security Bank (Sue Bowdre), First Federal (Sandra Talavera), Rep. Louis Ruiz, BPU Board Member Brett Parker, BPU Board Member Mary Gonzales, Franklin Center and Alexandra Humphrey.
People who donated items or volunteered their time: Alfred and Maria Rangel, Mario and Loretta Escobar, Laura Ledesma, Trini and Nick Murguia, Kim Alcorn, Ben Whisler, Robyn and Kurt Kennedy, Tom Valverde, Sharon and Stephen Jackson, Jeff and Diana Miles, Elizabeth, Jason and Gavin Davis, Ariel Burns, Amber Booth, Kurt Rietema, Andre Reyes, Lupe Navarro, Diedra Harnden, Teresa Pacheco, Sandra Ayala, Angelica Navarro, Bea Ramirez, Rosa Madrigal, Taylor Penrod, Carter Church, Tony Armenta, Amanda and Ramon Sebilla and Knights of Columbus - Unity Council 709, Joanne, Freddy and Alyssa Avalos, Allison and Natalie Carreon light repair. Stanion Electric
Special thank you to New City Church KCK for their efforts with decorating the park plus volunteering and donating: Ray, Abbi, Graham and Owen Peoples, Kendall, Hadlee and Caleb Appleton, Dave and Ginny Borden, Adam, Libby, Ellanor and Pepper Thornton, Jen Reger, jeff Kirk, Kyle Smith, Micha Fry, Patrick Dillion, Dallas and Krystina Larson, Melissa Hanson, Steven and Ellen Rehmer, Amanda Albert, Liz baker, Grant Smith, Brandon Cacho, Julianna Liggett, Zach Patterson, Naveah Stewart, Kadence Zimmer, Hank Redmond, Maura Woodruss, Syler Rarick, Griffin Barrett and Evelyn Barrett.
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