The Hidden Heroes of Christmas in the Sky

By Adam Bailey

In a corner table in downtown Shreveport, Pam Atchison sips her coffee, her eyes twinkling. As the Chief Implementor” behind the biennial gala known as “Christmas in the Sky,” she’s about to orchestrate her final act—transforming Louisiana Downs into a Vegas Strip spectacle that would make even the Rat Pack swoon.

At the helm of this creative juggernaut is Sandi Kallenberg—Chairman of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC). According to Atchison, “Sandi created the first gala in 1982 and has been the visionary for each Christmas in the Sky gala since then.” Alongside her, Sandi’s daughter-inlaw, Heidi Kallenberg, serves as the Chairman of Christmas in the Sky (SKY).

Elizabeth Kennedy and Ro White serve as Co-Chairs, forming a triumvirate of leadership that keeps this massive undertaking on track. “It’s like conducting an orchestra,” Atchison explains. “Every section needs to be in perfect harmony for the magic to happen, and these ladies do a magnificent job! I am merely the Chief Implementor!”

The Management Team—the unsung heroes of the fundraising efforts— work tirelessly behind the scenes. Caroline Marston-Brazzel chairs the Sponsorships Committee, with Kelsey Kiper as her right hand. “Securing sponsorships is an art form in itself. It’s about building relationships and showing potential sponsors the impact their support has on our community.”

Bruce Allen, Kyle Martin, and Peter Lyons and will construct the sets upon which a team of thirty designers will create the magic. This trio ensures that every light shines just right, every sound cue hits its mark, and every special effect leaves the audience gasping in awe. “We’re the guys who make sure the magic doesn’t break,” Allen quips. “If we do our job right, no one even knows we’re there.”

As Atchison paints a picture of the night itself, the excitement is palpable. Guests will experience the mystique of Cirque d’ Sky performers, while the 24 Karat Club Live Auction gives high rollers a chance to flex their philanthropic muscles. “Sherry Hill sprinkles Stardust throughout, adding just the right touch of magic, while Bruce Allen channels the daredevil spirit of ‘Evil’ Knievel. Richea and Michael Corbin create romance at the Elvis Chapel of Love, and John Lomax introduces a vibrant vibe at the Lizard Lounge—a spot that is going to make people forget they’re in Louisiana,” she says, ticking off names and themes. Each themed area is a world unto itself, crafted by a team of visionary designers. Patrons will explore dazzling realms where creativity knows no bounds!

The culinary experience is just as carefully orchestrated. Food Director Chef Ryan Gillespie is curating a menu that would make any Vegas connoisseur jealous. Chef Ryan has selected a 5-star lineup of area celebrity chefs and is assisted by SKY Event Manager Exzavia Mitchel to bring the flavors of the Strip to SKY from high-end cuisine to comfort food favorites, every bite is designed to transport the guests to Sin City with “sin”sationally delicious offerings. Let us not forget the entertainment, which rivals a Vegas showroom, featuring the COZMOPOLITANZ band from Jackson, Mississippi, DJ Hot Boy Yoshi, breakdancers, singers, dancers from Northwestern State University, and a cadre of performers from Spinner Entertainment.

All in all, there are over 500 designers and volunteers helping pull this off. The Krewe of Elders, a key volunteer group for Christmas in the Sky, has even adopted the event as their major “community give back.” They work every Wednesday (starting in July) to help with the SKY’s sets and props. But beneath the glitz and glamour lies a deeper purpose. The event funds arts education, public art installations, and supports local artists. For instance, ArtBreak, a festival showcasing student art, receives significant funding from the gala’s proceeds. Atchison’s eyes light up as she describes the recently installed Bakowski Bridge of Lights, where students learn to create light shows that illuminate the Texas Street Bridge. “You should see these kids,” she confesses, her voice softening with pride. “They’re coding, they’re storytelling, they’re lighting up the sky. And it all starts here, with one ‘phantasmagorical’ night in December.”

As we prepare to leave, Atchison pauses. “You know, people ask me why I do this. Why put in all this work for one night? But it’s not about the one night. It’s about the next day and the day after that. It’s about a kid seeing their first musical performance, and an artist selling their first piece. It’s about making sure that in Shreveport, the sky’s always the limit.”

With that, she’s gone, swept out into the Shreveport morning, leaving behind the faint scent of ambition and creativity. In just a few weeks, she’ll preside over a spectacle that would make Sinatra himself tip his hat. But for now, she’s off to rally her troops— over 500 volunteers—to transform a racetrack into a wonderland, and to prove that sometimes, the house doesn’t always win- –sometimes, the whole community does.

One thing is abundantly clear—at this year’s Christmas in the Sky, Shreveport is going all in on the arts. And with Pam Atchison at the helm one last time, it’s a sure bet that this event will be the jackpot this city has been waiting for. What happens at Christmas in the Sky stays at Christmas in the Sky. Unless, of course, you’re talking about the memories, the inspiration, and the lasting impact on Shreveport’s vibrant arts scene.