A Lexington man was honored Monday, Aug. 3, for his many years of bringing smiles and joy to local families during the Christmas season.

The Lexington Town Council recognized Jerry Hite, along with his wife, Marcy, for the Christmas light show he puts on at his home that’s offered free to the community.

The couple received a proclamation from Councilmember Todd Lyle recognizing Hite for “outstanding community service and his contribution to a local holiday tradition.”

“I was so emotional and honored to receive this that I could barely get words out,” Hite said.

Hite started presenting Christmas light shows at his house in 2010 as a single father who wanted to spread joy to Lexington families. The light shows started small, with about 5,500 bulbs illuminating his home at 213 Meetze Ave. in Lexington each night.

In 2012, he married his wife, Marcy, and the two have partnered together in their Christmas show endeavors. Hite now estimates that more than 135,000 bulbs are displayed in his front yard, synchronized with music.

Jerry, Marcy and their three children have even made special appearances as costumed Christmas characters during the shows and welcome crowds as they enjoy the display.

The Hite family said thousands of families from near and far come out each Christmas to view the show in their front yard and make special memories.

The Hites charge no fee for spectators to enjoy their seasonal shows, but they do accept donations for a cause that’s near to their hearts.

“Our light shows are free of charge,” Hite said. “It is never mandatory, but we do accept donations to go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We have been a part of this organization and have been able to meet so many kids and their parents, and we love making a difference in their lives this way.”

Each year, Hite said, spectators continually give to Make-A-Wish through donations when they watch the show. The family has raised more than $20,000 through donations from light show spectators.

In May 2026, Jerry was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal kidney cancer. While the news has devastated Jerry and his family, he is determined to press on and not let his diagnosis “steal his humor.”

“I still have my bad days,” Hite said. “There are some days I just cry. I will not let this illness steal my humor and joy. I will keep pressing on.”

Because of his diagnosis and the many treatments he is undergoing, Hite does not believe the light show will be possible this year.

“Trust me, I really want to,” Hite said. “I have such a bad itch to put it on and continue to do this. I just am not sure if it’ll be possible.”

The Hite family said they have felt the prayers, love and support of the community as they go through this difficult time. They continue to ask for prayers as Hite fights his cancer battle.

“Always tell your family that you love them,” Hite said. “You just never know what life will throw at you.”

The community is encouraged to check out the Hites’ Facebook page, Hite Christmas Lightshow, for updates on Jerry’s health journey.

In other business

In addition to the proclamation recognizing Hite, council members held their third and final reading on approval of the fiber-optic cable franchise agreement and ordinance with Windstream Kinetic Fiber. The agreement was approved unanimously, with no further discussion or questions.