A longstanding Murray holiday tradition will return this weekend after a four-year absence. 

Olive Boulevard borders campus by the gates. The tree-lined street features brilliant leaves every fall that gives way to the holiday luminary celebration. This year’s celebration will be Saturday and Sunday nights. 

Weather and the pandemic halted the luminary celebration. This will be the first luminary event since 2019. 

The Olive Boulevard Luminary display began in 1982 after former resident Howard Titsworth observed another community hosting a similar event, which fueled Titsworth’s desire for Murray to do the same. 

The residents of Olive Boulevard line the streets with small, white, candle-filled sacks that illuminate the nearby trees and houses. 

Joy Waldrop, Olive Boulevard resident, said she hopes that more University students attend given all the holiday festivities taking place over the weekend. 

“You know, these kids are only here for four years,” Waldrop said. “We just want to be part of their memory of being at Murray State.”

Whether by slowly driving or walking, everyone is welcome to come and see the display.