HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is hosting its annual Nights and Lights drive-through display this weekend at the site of the country’s first self-governed town for the formerly enslaved.

The holiday lights event is in its sixth year, according to Ahmad Ward, executive director for Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.

“This started during COVID. We couldn’t be around each other and we wanted to do something to get people into the holiday spirit,” Ward said.

The park used leftover money to light the display during the first year. Ward said they expected about 700 to 800 people but had 2,500 visitors come through in three days.

The display includes structures that show what the historic villages used to look like. Ward said the event serves as both ent

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